Inactivation of the Pta-AckA Pathway Impairs Fitness of Bacillus anthracis during Overflow Metabolism

Abstract

B. anthracis , the etiological agent of anthrax, is a highly pathogenic, spore-forming bacterium that causes acute, life-threatening disease in both humans and livestock. A greater understanding of the metabolic determinants governing the fitness of B. anthracis is essential for the development of successful therapeutic and vaccination strategies aimed at lessening the potential impact of this important biodefense pathogen.