Query: NC_014833:3268102 Ruminococcus albus 7 chromosome, complete genome
Lineage: Ruminococcus albus; Ruminococcus; Ruminococcaceae; Clostridiales; Firmicutes; Bacteria
General Information: Environment: Host; Temp: Mesophile; Temp: 40C. The bacterium requires phenylacetic and phenylpropionic acids for maximal growth. The organism produces cellulosomes at the cell surface that are multimeric protein complexes that contain scaffolding proteins and degradative enzymes. Understanding the metabolism of plant polysaccharides may enable scientists to improve the productivity of ruminant organisms such as cattle
Subject: NC_010263:925500 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.