Pre_GI: SWBIT SVG BLASTP

Query: NC_004545:499709 Buchnera aphidicola str. Bp (Baizongia pistaciae), complete genome

Lineage: Buchnera aphidicola; Buchnera; Enterobacteriaceae; Enterobacteriales; Proteobacteria; Bacteria

General Information: This organism is found in the aphid Baizongia pistaciae. Aphid endosymbiont. It is believed that the Buchnera provide the essential nutrients the host lacks. Besides a nutritional co-dependence, due to a co-existence of millions of years, Buchnera have lost the ability to produce cell surface components such as lipopolysaccharides. This makes for an obligate endosymbiont relationship between host and Buchnera. Buchnera are prokaryotic cells which belong to the gamma-Proteobacteria, closely related to the Enterobacteriaceae family. Phylogenetic studies using 16S rRNA indicate that the symbiotic relationship was established around 200-250 million years ago. Since Buchnera are closely related to Escherichia coli and Haemophilus influenzae, comparative genomic studies can shed light on the evolutionary mechanisms of intracellular endosymbiosis as well as the different underlying molecular basis between organisms with parasitic behavior and symbionts.

Subject: NC_005955:1166521 Bartonella quintana str. Toulouse, complete genome

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

General Information: Bartonella quintana str. Toulouse was isolated from human blood in Toulouse, France in 1993. Causative agent of trench fever. This group of alpha proteobacteria are unique among pathogens in that they cause angiogenic lesions. This organism was first identified as the causative agent of louse-born trench fever during World War I. Up to 800 000 were infected in the trenches because of the louse insect vector that was widespread due to poor sanitation. The disease is now found associated with immunocompromized patients, especially HIV patients and homeless alcoholics.