Query: NC_007712:1954808 Sodalis glossinidius str. 'morsitans', complete genome
Lineage: Sodalis glossinidius; Sodalis; Enterobacteriaceae; Enterobacteriales; Proteobacteria; Bacteria
General Information: Sodalis glossinidius is known exclusively in endosymbiosis with tsetse flies. It is maternally transmitted, and is one of the few bacterial endosymbionts of insects that can be cultured successfully in vitro. Genome data reveals a high proportion of pseudogenes in this species, many of which were, in their functional state, involved in defense or transport of carbohydrates and inorganic ions. This suggests a degenerative adaptation to the immunity and restricted nutritional status of the host.
Subject: NC_007880:290059 Francisella tularensis subsp. holarctica, complete genome
Lineage: Francisella tularensis; Francisella; Francisellaceae; Thiotrichales; Proteobacteria; Bacteria
General Information: This strain (live vaccine strain) was created in the 1960's in the USA and provides protection against tularemia in animal models as well as in humans. Causative agent of tularemia. This organism was first identified by Edward Francis as the causative agent of a plague-like illness that affected squirrels in Tulare county in California in the early part of the 20th century. The organism now bears his name. The disease, which has been noted throughout recorded history, can be transmitted to humans by infected ticks or deerflies, infected meat, or by aerosol, and thus is a potential bioterrorism agent. This organism has a high infectivity rate, and can invade phagocytic and nonphagocytic cells, multiplying rapidly. Once within a macrophage, the organism can escape the phagosome and live in the cytosol. It is an aquatic organism, and can be found living inside protozoans, similar to what is observed with Legionella.