Query: NC_004461:277291 Staphylococcus epidermidis ATCC 12228, complete genome Lineage: Staphylococcus epidermidis; Staphylococcus; Staphylococcaceae; Bacillales; Firmicutes; Bacteria General Information: This strain is a non-biofilm-forming, non-infection associated strain used for detection of residual antibiotics in food products. Common skin bacterium. 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 the most prevalent and persistent Staphylococcus species on human skin. Has emerged as a common cause of nosocomial (hospital-acquired) infections, including catheter-associated infections and septicemia, particularly in immunocompromised patients. Resistant to many antibiotics including penicillins and cephalosporins.
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General Information: This organism produces one of the most potent and deadly neurotoxins known, a botulinum toxin that prevents the release of acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction, thereby inhibiting muscle contraction and causing paralysis. In most cases the diseased person dies of asphyxiation as a result of paralysis of chest muscles involved in breathing. The spores are heat-resistant and can survive in inadequately heated, prepared, or processed foods. Spores germinate under favorable conditions (anaerobiosis and substrate-rich environment) and bacteria start propagating very rapidly, producing the toxin.Botulinum toxin, and C. botulinum cells, has been found in a wide variety of foods, including canned ones. Almost any food that has a high pH (above 4.6) can support growth of the bacterium. Honey is the most common vehicle for infection in infants. Food poisoning through C. botulinum is the most frequent type of infection caused by this bacterium. The wound botulism that occurs when C. botulinum infects an individual via an open wound is much rarer and is very similar to tetanus disease. There are several types of botulinum toxin known (type A through type F), all of them being neurotoxic polypeptides. The most common and widely distributed are strains and serovars of C. botulinum that produce type A toxin.