Pre_GI: SWBIT SVG BLASTN

Query: NC_017514:2096452 Neisseria meningitidis M01-240149 chromosome, complete genome

Lineage: Neisseria meningitidis; Neisseria; Neisseriaceae; Neisseriales; Proteobacteria; Bacteria

General Information: The second of two pathogenic Neisseria, this organism causes septicemia and is the leading cause of life-threatening meningitis (inflammation of the meninges, the membrane surrounding the brain and spinal cord) in children. This organism typically residies in the nasopharynx cavity but can invade the respiratory epthelial barrier, cross into the bloodstream and the blood brain barrier, and cause inflammation of the meninges. Pathogenicity factors include the surface proteins (porins and opacity proteins), and the type IV pilus (which is also found in Neisseria gonorrhoeae). This organism, like Neisseria gonorrhoeae, is naturally competent, and protein complexes at the cell surface recognize the uptake signal sequence in extracellular DNA, an 8mer that is found at high frequency in Neisseria chromosomal DNA.

Subject: NC_014932:985882 Bartonella clarridgeiae 73, complete genome

Lineage: Bartonella clarridgeiae; Bartonella; Bartonellaceae; Rhizobiales; Proteobacteria; Bacteria

General Information: Bartonella clarridgeiae was first identified from a case of cat scratch fever in a veterinarian who had been bitten by a cat. This organism has subsequently been identified in both cats and dogs. Cats, which are infected by fleas carrying the bacteria, in turn infect humans when scratching or biting them, hence the name. A small red bump forms at the site of infection, followed 2-3 weeks later by a painful swelling of the lymph node. In immunocompromized patients, more severe progress may be observed, including encephalitis, swelling of the spleen, and heart valve infection. Approximately 24 000 cases are reported in the US each year.