Alcaligenes

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A Microbial Biorealm page on the genus Alcaligenes

Alcaligenes faecalis. Image from SCIMAT 2001.

Classification

Higher order taxa:

Bacteria; Proteobacteria; Betaproteobacteria; Burkholderiales; Alcaligenaceae

Species:

Alcaligenes faecalis
Alcaligenes latus
Alcaligenes eutrophus
Alcaligenes viscolactis
Alcaligenes xylosoxidans

NCBI: Taxonomy Genome

Description and Significance

Alcaligenes is a genus of Gram-negative, pathogenic, opportunistic bacteria. Alcaligenes xylosoxidans has been found in the respiratory tracts of cystic fibrosis patients. Because species of this genus are often incorrectly identified, problems linked to cystic fibrosis are difficult to study and rectify. Isolates of this genus have been found in soil or water. Alcaligenes faecalis is significant because it converts the most toxic form of arsenic, arsenite (AsO₂^-, oxidation state +3) to its less dangerous form, arsenate (AsO₄^-, oxidation state +5).

Genome Structure
Alcaligenes is of significant concern to the medical industry, and mapping the genome would provide researchers with consistent identification of this bacteria. However, no major organizations have attempted to sequence it as of yet.

Cell Structure and Metabolism

Alcaligenes faecalis.
Image from Visuals Unlimited.

Species of Alcaligenes generate energy in a number of ways, including arsenite oxidation. Much about these organisms is virtually unknown, and even identifying its species correctly presents challenges. This is of significance because some species of Alcaligenes are potential causes of chronic pulmonary disease in patients with cystic fibrosis. Alcaligenes are gram-negative, or proteobacteria, meaning that they have a distinctive cell envelope. To learn more about the cell structure of proteobacteria, click here. |}

Ecology

Alcaligenes are found in various locations, including soil and aquatic environments, where one species, Alcaligenes denitrificans, has been known to inhibit the growth of certain types of algae. They may also be found in the respiratory tracts of cystic fibrosis patients, where they cause clinical symptoms of pulmonary disease.

References

Anderson, G.L. et al. Metabolic energy from arsenite oxidation in Alcaligenes faecalis. Abstract. Journal de Physique IV vol 107 2003. 49.

Liu, Lixia et al. Ribosomal DNA-Directed PCR for Identification of Achromobacter (Alcaligenes) xylosoxidans Recovered from Sputum Samples from Cystic Fibrosis Patients. Journal of Clinical Microbiology vol 40(4) April 2002. 1210-1213.

Manage, Pathmalal M. et al. Algicidal effect of the bacterium Alcaligenes denifitricans on Microcystis spp. Aquatic Microbial Ecology vol 22 September 8 2000. 111-117.

Saiman, Lisa et al. Identification and Antimicrobial Susceptibility of Alacaligenes xylosoxidans Isolated from Patients with Cystic Fibrosis. Journal of Clinical Microbiology vol 39(11). November 2001. 3942-3945.