Query: NC_004311:1096649 Brucella suis 1330 chromosome II, complete sequence
Lineage: Brucella suis; Brucella; Brucellaceae; Rhizobiales; Proteobacteria; Bacteria
General Information: A swine isolate. Causes brucellosis, infectious abortions, fevers. 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 swine-specific Brucella. It causes infectious abortions in animals and a systemic, febrile (feverish) illness in humans. Brucella suis is considered a potential bioterrorism agent and was the first pathogenic organism to be weaponized by the USA.
Subject: NC_003923:473743 Staphylococcus aureus subsp. aureus MW2, complete genome
Lineage: Staphylococcus aureus; Staphylococcus; Staphylococcaceae; Bacillales; Firmicutes; Bacteria
General Information: This strain is a community-acquired methicillin-resistant (MSRA) strain and is one of the major pathogens causing community-acquired infections in the Midwestern USA. Several fatal infections were attributed to this strain in the late 1990's. Causes skin infections. Staphylcocci are generally found inhabiting the skin and mucous membranes of mammals and birds. Some members of this genus can be found as human commensals and these are generally believed to have the greatest pathogenic potential in opportunistic infections. This organism is a major cause of nosocomial (hospital-acquired) and community-acquired infections. S. aureus continues to be a major cause of mortality and is responsible for a variety of infections including, boils, furuncles, styes, impetigo and other superficial skin infections in humans. Also known to cause more serious infections particularly in the chronically ill or immunocompromised. The ability to cause invasive disease is associated with persistance in the nasal cavity of a host.