Query: NC_013928:370893 Streptococcus mutans NN2025, complete genome
Lineage: Streptococcus mutans; Streptococcus; Streptococcaceae; Lactobacillales; Firmicutes; Bacteria
General Information: This strain is a clinical serotype c strain isolated in Japan in 2002. Streptococci are Gram-positive, nonmotile, nonsporeforming, catalase-negative cocci that occur in pairs or chains. Members of this genus vary widely in pathogenic potential. Most streptococci are facultative anaerobes, and some are obligate anaerobes. Streptococcus mutans was first isolated in 1924 from human carious (cavities) lesions and is the main cause of tooth decay. This organism thrives in a bacterial community known as a dental plaque which forms on the surface of teeth. This organism has also been implicated in cases of infective endocarditis.
Subject: NC_010263:278463 Rickettsia rickettsii str. Iowa, complete genome
Lineage: Rickettsia rickettsii; Rickettsia; Rickettsiaceae; Rickettsiales; Proteobacteria; Bacteria
General Information: Causative agent for Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. This organism was first identified by Dr. Howard Rickets as the causative agent of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, which was originally named for its geographic distribution at the time, it is now known to be widespread throughout the North American continent. This bacterium is an obligate intracellular pathogen that infects primarily the vascular endothelium, and occasionally smooth muscle tissue. It is passed to the human host from a tick bite, and the tick acts as both a natural reservoir and a vector for disease transmission. Once the organism is endocytosed by the host cell, it quickly escapes the phagozome, and replicates intracellularly, causing cell death and tissue damage. The disease is characterized by a spotted rash and has a high mortality rate if left untreated.