Use of High-Resolution Melting and Melting Temperature-shift assays for specific detection and identification of Bacillus anthracis based on single nucleotide discrimination

► SNPs are important diagnostic markers for specific identification of Bacillus anthracis. ► High-Resolution Melting and Melting Temperature-shift methods are valuable tools to detect SNP at reduced cost. ► Discrimination assays based on both methods were developed to target B. anthracis-specific SNPs in plcR and gyrA. ► All assays correctly distinguish the anthrax agent using a panel of 140 Bacilli strains. ► Each assay is sensitive and specific enough to permit direct detection in biological samples.