B. thuringiensis – identification, biology and uses

École thématique

English. The Bacillus cereus group, also known as B. cereus sensu lato, corresponds to a number of genetically closely related species, which include B. anthracis, B. cereus sensu stricto, B. cytotoxicus B. mycoides, B. pseudomycoides, B. thuringiensis, B. toyonensis, B. weihenstephanensis and B. wiedmannii. Members of the group are widely distributed worldwide in most investigated environments including field soils and different crops. Their wide distribution might be due the formation of endospores which are highly resistant to desiccation, heat and pH, and that they are able to grow under variable conditions over a broad range of temperatures. The pathogenic potential of the B. cereus group is very variable ranging from strains with a low potential used as probiotics or plant protection agents to strains causing different kinds of diseases including fatal.The learning aims of this COST CA16110 Action training course are related to:• Identification and quantification of B. cereus sensu lato bacteria in environmental samples.• Identification and phylogeny of B. cereus sensu lato at species level and at level of phylogenetic groups.• The pathogenic potential of B. cereus sensu lato bacteria from environmental samples.This training school will offer of a combination of presentation by renowned trainers and invited guests, practical on hand work and demonstrations in the laboratory and work with whole genome sequences. The idea of the course is that the trainees will forward small field soil samples from their home country to the coordinator before the course. From these samples, the trainees will learn how to quantify, isolate and identify B. cereus sensu lato bacteria. During the course, the participants will learn to make phylogenetically analysis, identification at species level and to assess the pathogenic potential from whole genome sequences. After the course selected isolates from each country will be whole genome sequenced and the sequences forwarded to the participants, who then will analyze the data for identification and potential pathogenicity based on the knowledge acquired during the training course. All the data from the participants will be used for a joint scientific publication.