Pre_GI: SWBIT SVG BLASTP

Query: NC_003317:190975 Brucella melitensis 16M chromosome I, complete sequence

Lineage: Brucella melitensis; Brucella; Brucellaceae; Rhizobiales; Proteobacteria; Bacteria

General Information: This strain was isolated from an infected goat and is pathogenic in humans. Causes brucellosis and undulant fever. 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 organism is a facultative intracellular bacteria that causes abortion in wild and domestic animals, usually goats or sheep, and undulant fever in humans. Brucellosis is a major health problem in the Mediterranean region and parts of Asia, Africa, and Latin America, where it causes severe economic losses. The disease is transmitted to humans by nonpasteurized milk and milk products or by direct contact with infected animals or carcasses.

Subject: NC_014932:1232346 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.