Query: NC_008542:2631138 Burkholderia cenocepacia HI2424 chromosome 1, complete sequence
Lineage: Burkholderia cenocepacia; Burkholderia; Burkholderiaceae; Burkholderiales; Proteobacteria; Bacteria
General Information: This organism (HI2424; BCC1) was isolated as part of a study to find this organism in natural environments. Samples taken from fields that were planted with onions in New York in 1999 and 2000 were examined and it was discovered that isolates were the same as ones that can infect CF patients. This species (genomovar III) is part of the Burkholderia cepacia complex, which consists of 9 closely related species, also known as genomovars. These organisms are commonly found in soil and all are opportunistic pathogens espcially in cystic fibrosis patients.
Subject: NC_005956:1572500 Bartonella henselae str. Houston-1, complete genome
Lineage: Bartonella henselae; Bartonella; Bartonellaceae; Rhizobiales; Proteobacteria; Bacteria
General Information: Bartonella henselae str. Houston-1 (ATCC 49882) was isolated from human blood in Houston Texas. Causative agent of cat scratch fever. This group of alpha proteobacteria are unique among pathogens in that they cause angiogenic lesions. This organism was identified as the causative agent of cat scratch fever, a disease found commonly in children or in immunocompromised adults. The proliferation of the vascular endothelium (bacillary angiomatosis) is characterisitic of Bartonella infection and results in multiplication of the bacterium's host cells. Infected macrophages are stimulated to release vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and interleukin 1 beta, both of which promote angiogenesis. Endothelial cells are also stimulated to grow and divide by direct contact with bacterial cells. In addition, programmed cell death (apoptosis) of endothelial cells is inhibited, combatting a common mechanism eukaryotic cells use to deal with bacterial infection. Other pathogenicity factors include pili and outer membrane adhesins for attachment to host cells.