Query: NC_014014:359217 Mycoplasma crocodyli MP145 chromosome, complete genome
Lineage: Mycoplasma crocodyli; Mycoplasma; Mycoplasmataceae; Mycoplasmatales; Tenericutes; Bacteria
General Information: Mycoplasma crocodyli was isolated from the joint of a crocodile with exudative polyarthritis. The siblingspecies of M. crocodyli, Mycoplasma alligatoris causes acute lethalprimary infection of susceptible hosts, notably American alligators.This pathogen is studied to understand the mechanisms and evolutionaryorigins of that virulence. A genome survey indicated that M. alligatorisuses sialidase (Nanl) and hyaluronidase (NagH) to generate fuel forglycolysis from host cell glycans. M. crocodyli, which does not causedisease in American alligators, possesses NagH but not Nanl, so damageto the host's extracellular matrix alone cannot explain the particularvirulence of M. alligatoris.
Subject: NC_005956:699206 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.