Antimicrobial Resistance in Vollum Anthrax: Current Status and Concerns

Abstract

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a significant threat to the effectiveness of standard healthcare. The World Health Organization (WHO) identifies AMR as a critical global public health threat, exacerbated by limited access to effective medications and healthcare infrastructure in low and middle-income countries. As such, the current status and implications of AMR in Bacillus anthracis are increasingly concerning, both as a serious disease, as well as potential usage in bioterrorism. The Vollum strain, known for its potential use as a bioweapon due to high virulence, is of particular concern. Novel computational studies into the genetic mechanisms driving AMR in B. anthracis, highlight resistance genes - bla, bla2, fosB, among others- potentially conferring resistance to various antibiotic classes, particularly first-line treatment beta-lactams and macrolides, including Ciprofoaxin. Historical and recent instances of Vollum's use in bioweapons programs underscore the urgency of developing effective diagnostic, treatment, and prevention strategies. Enhanced surveillance, novel pharmaceutical development, and targeted vaccination efforts are imperative to mitigate the impact of AMR in B. anthracis.