Pre_GI: SWBIT SVG BLASTP

Query: NC_015425:2690448 Clostridium botulinum BKT015925 chromosome, complete genome

Lineage: Clostridium botulinum; Clostridium; Clostridiaceae; Clostridiales; Firmicutes; Bacteria

General Information: This genus comprises about 150 metabolically diverse species of anaerobes that are ubiquitous in virtually all anoxic habitats where organic compounds are present, including soils, aquatic sediments and the intestinal tracts of animals and humans. This shape is attributed to the presence of endospores that develop under conditions unfavorable for vegetative growth and distend single cells terminally or sub-terminally. Spores germinate under conditions favorable for vegetative growth, such as anaerobiosis and presence of organic substrates. It is believed that present day Mollicutes (Eubacteria) have evolved regressively (i.e., by genome reduction) from gram-positive clostridia-like ancestors with a low GC content in DNA. This organism produces one of the most potent and deadly neurotoxins known, a botulinum toxin that prevents the release of acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction, thereby inhibiting muscle contraction and causing paralysis. In most cases the diseased person dies of asphyxiation as a result of paralysis of chest muscles involved in breathing. The spores are heat-resistant and can survive in inadequately heated, prepared, or processed foods. Spores germinate under favorable conditions (anaerobiosis and substrate-rich environment) and bacteria start propagating very rapidly, producing the toxin. Botulinum toxin, and C. botulinum cells, has been found in a wide variety of foods, including canned ones. Almost any food that has a high pH (above 4.6) can support growth of the bacterium.

Subject: NC_014760:299392 Mycoplasma bovis PG45 chromosome, complete genome

Lineage: Mycoplasma bovis; Mycoplasma; Mycoplasmataceae; Mycoplasmatales; Tenericutes; Bacteria

General Information: This bacterium causes a contagious disease of cattle causing respiratory disease, mastitis, and arthritis. It is found worldwide and is inherently resistant to certain groups of antibiotics because it does not possess a cell wall. More recently, this species has become resistant to tetracycline, tilmicosin and spectinomycin which have been traditionally used in its control. The disease is spread between herds by the transfer of infected but seemingly healthy animals which shed viruses. It has also been introduced into healthy herds via frozen semen collected from an infected bull. The economic losses and negative impact on international trade from this disease have been considerable, and efforts are now underway to develop a vaccine.