An unusual murine behavior following infection with log-phase Nocardia asteroides type 6 strain GUH-2 (Nocardia cyriacigeorgica GUH-2)

Nocardia asteroides (Nocardia cyriacigeorgica) strain GUH-2 infects the brains of mice following intravenous injection. Non-lethal infections resulted in a transitory increase of bacterial numbers in the brain followed by the development of permanent impaired movements at a time when bacteria appeared to be eliminated from the brain. These signs included headshake, rigidity, stooped posture, dyskinesia, retropulsion, and abnormal tail positioning in approximately 20% of infected animals. The attached video presents a typical mouse following infection with this organism, as compared to an age- and gender-matched uninfected control mouse.     

Pathogenic and virulence characterization of colonial mutants of Nocardia asteroides GUH-2

The pathogenicities in mice (comparing LD50 determinations) of two mutant strains and one wild-type strain of Nocardia asteroides GUH-2, each possessing a colonial morphology distinct from the other, were compared at respective stages of growth. Despite the three strains' colinear growth curves and similar physiological properties, unique patterns of pathogenicity emerged for each strain upon analysis. Ultrastructural and fatty acid profiles of cultures at the various growth stages were monitored. The mutant strain SCII-A1 was consistently less virulent than the other strains of N. asteroides GUH-2 (SCII-P and SCII-C). Further, its fatty acid profiles as well as the shape and consistency of its colonies differed greatly from those of the wild-type strain. The fatty acid composition and the colonial morphology of strain SCII-C more closely resembled those of the parent, although its virulence was both greater than (before 28 h of growth) and less than the parent's depending upon the specific stage of growth. The comparative degrees of cellular fragmentation and complexity, as determined by scanning and transmission electron microscopy, were found to coincide with changes in relative degrees of pathogenicity.     

Characterization of 2,3-dihydroxybenzoic acid from Nocardia asteroides GUH-2.

Culture filtrates of virulent Nocardia asteroides GUH-2 after growth in acetate minimal medium displayed an absorbance maximum at 320 nm. After isolation by polyamide extraction and anion chromatography, a UV-active compound with this absorbance was shown to be 2,3-dihydroxybenzoic acid (DHB) by nuclear magnetic resonance, gas chromatographic, and mass spectrometric techniques. DHB production under several culture conditions was quantified by a standard high-pressure liquid chromatography assay. Under iron deficiency conditions, N. asteroides GUH-2 excreted up to 11 mg of DHB per liter into the culture medium. No DHB was detected when N. asteroides GUH-2 was grown in an iron-rich medium. With the less virulent strain N. asteroides 10905, DHB was not found under any condition tested.     

支气管结石合并肺部盖尔森基兴奴卡菌感染1例

本文旨在通过对1例支气管结石伴盖尔森基兴奴卡菌肺炎患者的诊治过程进行回顾,并对相关文献进行复习,以提高临床医师对此类疾病的认识。该患者为结石性体质,胸部计算机断层扫描(computed tomography,CT)提示支气管内高密度影;无痛纤维支气管镜下确诊支气管内膜结石,给予患者支气管镜下碎石、取石,并送病理科行切片活检,同时行痰涂片、痰培养寻找病原体。结果成功在肺泡灌洗液中培养出盖尔森基兴奴卡菌,针对盖尔森基兴奴卡菌感染给予敏感药物治疗3个月后痊愈。支气管结石伴盖尔森基兴奴卡菌肺炎极其罕见,尤其局限于呼吸系统感染者更为少见。此类疾病需考虑支气管内膜结石所致支气管扩张等结构性疾病存在,导致局部抵抗力低下,从而引起条件致病菌盖尔森基兴奴卡菌感染。针对此类患者,建议及早行纤维支气管镜检查并完善灌洗液涂片、抗酸染色、灌洗液培养以获得病原学证据,为治疗赢得时间。控制盖尔森基兴奴卡菌感染后,需及早行纤维支气管镜下碎石等治疗,以纠正局部结构改变,减少再次感染机会。     

Tinctorial Properties of Spherical Bodies in Broth Cultures of Nocardia asteroides GUH-2

In yeast extract-supplemented brain heart infusion (BHI) broth cultures of Nocardia asteroides GUH-2, many spherical bodies (SBs) were frequently seen nearby filamentous cells. They showed no Gram-positivity when Gram stain was applied. When acridine orange stain was applied, many of them showed different green fluorescence from bright orange fluorescence of the filamentous nocardiae under ultraviolet light. Their acid-fastness appeared to depend on the presence of paraffin. Using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method, 16S rRNA genes were detected in SB-containing broth cultures inoculated with culture filtrates from broth cultures of the strain and identical to that of N. asteroides. These results suggest that SBs are cell wall-defective (CWD) forms which result from the spontaneous mutation of N. asteroides GUH-2.     

Genome sequence of the phototrophic betaproteobacterium Rubrivivax benzoatilyticus strain JA2T

Herein we report the draft genome sequence of a phototrophic bacterium, Rubrivivax benzoatilyticus strain JA2(T), which apparently is the first genome sequence report of a phototrophic member belonging to the class Betaproteobacteria. The unique feature of this strain is its capability to synthesize carotenoids through both spirilloxanthin and spheroidenone pathways. Strain JA2(T) produces several novel secondary metabolites, and the genome insights help in understanding the unique machinery that the strain adapted.     

Genome sequence of Haemophilus parasuis strain 29755

Haemophilus parasuis is a member of the family Pasteurellaceae and is the etiologic agent of Glässer’s disease in pigs, a systemic syndrome associated with only a subset of isolates. The genetic basis for virulence and systemic spread of particular H. parasuis isolates is currently unknown. Strain 29755 is an invasive isolate that has long been used in the study of Glässer’s disease. Accordingly, the genome sequence of strain 29755 is of considerable importance to investigators endeavoring to understand the molecular pathogenesis of H. parasuis. Here we describe the features of the 2,224,137 bp draft genome sequence of strain 29755 generated from 454-FLX pyrosequencing. These data comprise the first publicly available genome sequence for this bacterium.     

Genome sequence of the Chlamydophila abortus variant strain LLG

Chlamydophila abortus is a common cause of ruminant abortion. Here we report the genome sequence of strain LLG, which differs genotypically and phenotypically from the wild-type strain S26/3. Genome sequencing revealed differences between LLG and S26/3 to occur in pseudogene content, in transmembrane head/inc family proteins, and in biotin biosynthesis genes.     

Genome sequence of the Mycobacterium abscessus strain M93

Mycobacterium abscessus is a rapid-growing species of nontuberculous mycobacteria that is frequently associated with opportunistic infections in humans. We report herein the draft genome sequence of M. abscessus strain M93.     

Acid-Fastness of Nocardia asteroides GUH-2 Cultured in Brain Heart Infusion Broth Supplemented with Paraffin

Nocardia asteroides GUH-2 was not acid-fast when grown in brain heart infusion (BHI) broth. When grown in BHI broth supplemented with paraffin, many filamentous cells showed acid-fastness after treatment with 1% acid-alcohol as the decolorizing agent. When treated with 3% acid-alcohol, filamentous cells were not acid-fast. In addition to the acid-fast filamentous cells of nocardiae, unknown acid-fast spherical bodies were observed in the paraffin-supplemented BHI broth cultures.     

Genome sequence of Agrobacterium tumefaciens strain F2, a bioflocculant-producing bacterium

Agrobacterium tumefaciens F2 is an efficient bioflocculant-producing bacterium. But the genes related to the metabolic pathway of bioflocculant biosynthesis in strain F2 are unknown. We present the draft genome of A. tumefaciens F2. It could provide further insight into the biosynthetic mechanism of polysaccharide-like bioflocculant in strain F2.     

Effect of growth stage on mycolic acid structure in cell walls of Nocardia asteroides GUH-2

Mycolic acids were extracted from the cell walls of Nocardia asteroides GUH-2 during different phases of growth at 37 degrees C. These were subjected to structural analysis by combining thin-layer chromatography and gas-liquid chromatography with UV and infrared spectrophotometry and mass spectroscopy of both methyl esters and trimethyl silyl derivatives. By analyzing the fragmentation patterns of these derivatives by three different methods of mass spectroscopy combined with gas-liquid chromatographic separation, the different structural subclasses of mycolic acids were quantitated. Significant qualitative and quantitative modifications of specific mycolic acid subclasses occurred in the cell walls of N. asteroides GUH-2 that were growth stage dependent. The mycolic acids that were predominant in the log phase were polyunsaturated (greater than 2 double bonds per molecule), with long chain lengths and even carbon atom numbers (i.e., C54, C56). In contrast, those that were prominent in the stationary phase were more saturated (few or no double bonds) and of shorter overall carbon chain length (less than or equal to C52). Furthermore, stationary-phase cells had significantly increased amounts of mycolic acids with odd-numbered carbon chain lengths (i.e., C49, C51, C53).     

Genome sequence and comparative analysis of DRQ-2, the type strain of Nonomuraea indica

Strain DRQ-2^T (type strain of Nonomuraea indica) is worthy for genome sequencing, due to its ability to produce a wide variety of industrially important enzymes such as amylase, asparaginase, cellulase, gelatinase, glutaminase, and protease. Genome sequencing and comparison of strain DRQ-2^T is described in the present work. The genome size was estimated to be 8,288,417 (bp) that consisted of 59 contigs. The G + C content of the genome was 72.4%. A total of 7730 genes were predicted with two rRNAs and 64 tRNAs. The genome analysis of the strain DRQ-2^T showed the presence of a wide range of secondary metabolite gene clusters. Pan-Genomes Analysis Pipeline (PGAP) indicated that strain DRQ-2^T had large numbers of unique genes. The majority of N. indica DRQ-2^T genes encode for hypothetical proteins, indicating the functions of these ortholog clusters were still remain to be determined.     

Genome sequence of Pantoea agglomerans strain IG1

Pantoea agglomerans is a gram-negative bacterium that grows symbiotically with various plants. Here we report the 4.8-Mb genome sequence of P. agglomerans strain IG1. The lipopolysaccharides derived from P. agglomerans IG1 have been shown to be effective in the prevention of various diseases, such as bacterial or viral infection, lifestyle-related diseases. This genome sequence represents a substantial step toward the elucidation of pathways for production of lipopolysaccharides.     

Genome sequence of Mycoplasma hyorhinis strain GDL-1

Mycoplasma hyorhinis impacts swine health and production in many countries, either as a primary pathogen or as a component of a polymicrobial infection. Isolates of this species are also common contaminants of tissue culture lines. The genome sequence of the cell culture isolate M. hyorhinis GDL-1 is presented herein.     

Genome sequence of Brevibacillus laterosporus strain GI-9

We report the 5.18-Mb genome sequence of Brevibacillus laterosporus strain GI-9, isolated from a subsurface soil sample during a screen for novel strains producing antimicrobial compounds. The draft genome of this strain will aid in biotechnological exploitation and comparative genomics of Brevibacillus laterosporus strains.     

Genome sequence of Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae strain SC01

Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae is associated with chronic nonprogressive pneumonia in both sheep and goats. Studies concerning its molecular pathogenesis, genetic analysis, and vaccine development have been hindered due to limited genomic information. Here, we announce the first complete genome sequence of this organism.     

Genome sequence of Vibrio rotiferianus strain DAT722

Vibrio rotiferianus is a marine pathogen capable of causing disease in various aquatic organisms. We announce the genome sequence of V. rotiferianus DAT722, which has a large chromosomal integron containing 116 gene cassettes and is a model organism for studying the role of this system in vibrio evolution.     

Genome sequence of the bacteriocin-producing Lactobacillus curvatus strain CRL705

Lactobacillus curvatus is one of the most prevalent lactic acid bacteria found in fermented meat products. Here, we present the draft genome sequence of Lactobacillus curvatus CRL705, a bacteriocin producer strain isolated from an Argentinean artisanal fermented sausage, which consists of 1,833,251 bp (GC content, 41.9%) and two circular plasmids of 12,342 bp (pRC12; GC, 43.9%) and 18,664 bp (pRC18; GC, 34.4%).     

Genome sequence of the mercury-methylating strain Desulfovibrio desulfuricans ND132

Desulfovibrio desulfuricans strain ND132 is an anaerobic sulfate-reducing bacterium (SRB) capable of producing methylmercury (MeHg), a potent human neurotoxin. The mechanism of methylation by this and other organisms is unknown. We present the 3.8-Mb genome sequence to provide further insight into microbial mercury methylation.