Query: NC_015760:8914 Streptococcus salivarius CCHSS3, complete genome
Lineage: Streptococcus salivarius; Streptococcus; Streptococcaceae; Lactobacillales; Firmicutes; Bacteria
General Information: The commensal bacterium Streptococcus salivarius is predominant specie of the human oropharyngeal tract and exerts an important role in oral ecology. Streptococcus salivarius is an aerobic, gram-positive coccus. This organism is the most common organism isolated from the human oral cavity. Streptococcus salivarius can also be an opportunistic pathogen causing endocarditis, blood infection, and peritonitis. 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.
Subject: NC_010161:2050816 Bartonella tribocorum CIP 105476, complete genome
Lineage: Bartonella tribocorum; Bartonella; Bartonellaceae; Rhizobiales; Proteobacteria; Bacteria
General Information: This organism was isolated from the blood of wild rats and from fleas obtained from wild rats. Transmission of these organisms is often through an insect vector. Once in a host, this intracellular pathogen is internalized by an actin-dependent mechanism, and primarily targets endothelial cells, although other cells can be infected. 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. This organism is genetically related to Bartonella elizabethae which was isolated from a case of endocarditis in a human.