Query: NC_010104:1096081 Brucella canis ATCC 23365 chromosome II, complete sequence
Lineage: Brucella canis; Brucella; Brucellaceae; Rhizobiales; Proteobacteria; Bacteria
General Information: Etiologic agent of canine brucellosis. They are highly infectious, and can be spread through contact with infected animal products or through the air, making them a potential bioterrorism agent. Once the organism has entered the body, it can become intracellular, and enter the blood and lymphatic regions, multiplying inside phagocytes before eventually causing bacteremia (spread of bacteria through the blood). Virulence may depend on a type IV secretion system which may promote intracellular growth by secreting important effector molecules. This bacterium is the causative agent of canine brucellosis. The main sources of infection are vaginal fluids of infected females and urine in males. The most significant symptoms are late abortions in bitches, epididymitis in males and infertility in both sexes, as well as generalized lymphadenitis, discospondylitis and uveitis. Human contagion is not frequent, although it has been reported, and is easily treated. B. canis can be differentiated from the other species of the genus Brucella (except B. ovis) in that it forms rugose colonies.
Subject: NC_007952:1293024 Burkholderia xenovorans LB400 chromosome 2, complete sequence
Lineage: Burkholderia xenovorans; Burkholderia; Burkholderiaceae; Burkholderiales; Proteobacteria; Bacteria
General Information: Originally identified as Pseudomonas sp. LB400 that was found in contaminated soil in upstate New York, USA, this organism is now classified in the genus Burkholderia. Polychlorinated biphenyl-degrading bacterium. Member of the genus Burkholderia are versatile organisms that occupy a surprisingly wide range of ecological niches. These bacteria are exploited for biocontrol, bioremediation, and plant growth promotion purposes. Burkholderia xenovorans has been found on fungi, animals, and from human clinical isolates such as from cystic fibrosis (CF) patients. It may be tightly associated with white-rot fungus, as the degadation of lignin by the fungus results in aromatic compounds the bacterium can then degrade. This organism is exceptionally capable of degradation of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), which are environmental pollutants, and thus it may play a role in bioremediation of polluted and toxic sites and is studied as a model bioremediator. PCBs can be utilized as the sole carbon and energy source by this organism. The pathways for degradation of PCBs have been extensively characterized at both the genetic and the molecular level and have become a model system for the bacterial breakdown of these very persistent environmental contaminants.