During the 2001 anthrax attacks, bioterrorists used deadly anthrax spores in postal letters to threaten U.S citizens and political figures, including two senators. Ultimately, 22 people were infected and five died. Despite the implementation of biohazard checkpoints, anthrax continues to be a threat to our country, as the spores can be cultivated with minimal equipment and education. However, some researchers at the University of California, Davis may have some good news for countering this form of bioterrorism. In the corpse of a Nimibian zebra, the researchers serendipitously found a certain virus that can kill the anthrax bacteria.
Bacillus anthracis, the bacteria that causes the disease, produces extremely robust spores that allow it to spread through even the harshest conditions. In fact, some spores have been found in regions of Antarctica. Once the bacteria enters a host, such as a human or animal, it can cause painful skin legions and gastrointestinal infections. The researchers at the University of California, Davis found a bacteriophage, or “bacteria eater,” that is able to specifically target this particularly strong pathogen and kill it easily. Furthermore, this virus can kill bacteria responsible for some food poisoning incidents.
The new bacteriophage, recently named Bacillus phage Tsamsa, is among the largest of bacteriophages, containing an abnormally large genome. Sequencing showed that an enzyme called lysin is expressed in the genome, which allows the phage to degrade bacterial machinery quickly.
Viruses like Tsamsa are typically highly specific for certain bacteria, making it a potentially useful antibiotic. Unfortunately, penicillin and the discovery of other antibiotics excited many researchers and physicians, eclipsing bacteriophage research in the U.S.
With the discover of Tsamsa and its possible application in anti-Anthrax therapy, researchers may gradually shift their eyes towards viral research. Super resistant bacteria that combat against our drugs are multiplying, providing greater incentive to look into other solutions. A major advantage of bacteriophage therapy is that viruses tend to be very specific, killing the “bad” bacteria and leaving the rest alone. Further research on Tsamsa and its genome may open up more possibilities for bringing viral therapy into mainstream medicine.
