Molecular typing of Coxiella burnetii from animal and environmental matrices during Q fever epidemics in the Netherlands.

Background: The bacterium Coxiella burnetii has caused unprecedented outbreaks of Q fever in the Netherlands between 2007 and 2010. Since 2007, over 4000 human cases have been reported, with 2354 cases in 2009 alone. Dairy goat farms were identified as most probable sources for emerging clusters of human Q fever cases in their vicinity.

Peptide-based fluorescence resonance energy transfer protease substrates for the detection and diagnosis of Bacillus species.

We describe the development of a highly specific enzyme-based fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) assay for easy and rapid detection both in vitro and in vivo of Bacillus spp., among which are the members of the B. cereus group.