DNA Competition Studies within the Bacillus cereus Group of Bacilli

SUMMARY: The relatedness between strains of bacilli in the Bacillus cereus group has been studied by DNA/DNA competition using the memberane filter technique. Strains of B. cereus, B. thuringiensis and of B. anthracis form a closely related group, in which B. thuringiensis can be distinguished from B. cereus. Bacillus megaterium includes a wider range of strains, some of which are closely related to B. cereus, B. thruringiensis and B. anthracis.