Pre_GI: SWBIT SVG BLASTP

Query: NC_020207:2240115 Enterococcus faecium NRRL B-2354, complete genome

Lineage: Enterococcus faecium; Enterococcus; Enterococcaceae; Lactobacillales; Firmicutes; Bacteria

General Information: This genera consists of organisms typically found in the intestines of mammals, although through fecal contamination they can appear in sewage, soil, and water. They cause a number of infections that are becoming increasingly a problem due to the number of antibiotic resistance mechanisms these organisms have picked up. Both Enterococcus faecalis and Enterococcus faecium cause similar diseases in humans, and are mainly distinguished by their metabolic capabilities. This opportunistic pathogen causes a range of infections similar to those observed with Enterococcus faecalis, including urinary tract infections, bacteremia (bacteria in the blood), and infective endocarditis (inflammation of the membrane surrounding the heart). Hospital-acquired infections from this organism are on the rise due to the emergence of antiobiotic resistance strains and has led to the rise of vancomycin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus strains due to the horizontal transfer of Enterococcus antibiotic resistance genes. Little is known about the virulence mechanisms in this organism, but the genome does encode an esp gene for the surface adhesin. Vancomycin resistant isolates are more typically Enterococcus faecium than Enterococcus faecalis.

Subject: NC_014760:925933 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.