Query: NC_000868:196015 Pyrococcus abyssi GE5, complete genome
Lineage: Pyrococcus abyssi; Pyrococcus; Thermococcaceae; Thermococcales; Euryarchaeota; Archaea
General Information: This organism was isolated from an active chimney in the North Fiji Basin of the Pacific Ocean at a depth of 3500 meters. This organism is an obligate anaerobic, hyperthermophilic archaeon. Growth occurs at a temperature of 67-103 degrees C with optimal growth at 103 degrees C at 200 atmospheres of pressure. Increased hydrostatic pressure has been found to extend the upper growth temperature and stimulate growth.
Subject: NC_005956:1402500 Bartonella henselae str. Houston-1, complete genome
Lineage: Bartonella henselae; Bartonella; Bartonellaceae; Rhizobiales; Proteobacteria; Bacteria
General Information: Bartonella henselae str. Houston-1 (ATCC 49882) was isolated from human blood in Houston Texas. Causative agent of cat scratch fever. This group of alpha proteobacteria are unique among pathogens in that they cause angiogenic lesions. This organism was identified as the causative agent of cat scratch fever, a disease found commonly in children or in immunocompromised adults. The proliferation of the vascular endothelium (bacillary angiomatosis) is characterisitic of Bartonella infection and results in multiplication of the bacterium's host cells. Infected macrophages are stimulated to release vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and interleukin 1 beta, both of which promote angiogenesis. Endothelial cells are also stimulated to grow and divide by direct contact with bacterial cells. In addition, programmed cell death (apoptosis) of endothelial cells is inhibited, combatting a common mechanism eukaryotic cells use to deal with bacterial infection. Other pathogenicity factors include pili and outer membrane adhesins for attachment to host cells.