Query: NC_007799:686358 Ehrlichia chaffeensis str. Arkansas, complete genome
Lineage: Ehrlichia chaffeensis; Ehrlichia; Anaplasmataceae; Rickettsiales; Proteobacteria; Bacteria
General Information: This strain is the first isolate of Ehrlichia chaffeensis, which was obtained from a patient on an army base in Arkansas, USA in 1990. Causes disease in humans. This organism is an obligate intracellular pathogen that exists within vacuoles in the cytoplasm of monocytes or granulocytes. Transferred during an insect (tick) bite, it can cause disease in humans (human monocytic ehrlichiosis) and can reside in several other animals and is a problem in immunocompromised patients. The bacterium inhibits phagosome-lysozome fusion as well as programmed cell death (apoptosis) of the host cell, similar to what is observed with Anaplasma phagocytophilum.
Subject: NC_006933:1051873 Brucella abortus biovar 1 str. 9-941 chromosome II, complete
Lineage: Brucella abortus; Brucella; Brucellaceae; Rhizobiales; Proteobacteria; Bacteria
General Information: Causes bovine brucellosis. 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). 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 was first noticed on the island of Malta. It is the primary cause of bovine brucellosis, which results in enormous (billions of dollars) economic losses due primarily to reproductive failure and food losses. In man, it causes undulant fever, a long debilitating disease that is treated by protracted administration of antibiotics.