Actinomyces gerencseriae: Difference between revisions
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=2. Description and significance= | =2. Description and significance= | ||
'''Introduction'''<br /> | '''Introduction'''<br /> Actinomyces is a genus of bacteria that consists of a widely varied number of species that can exist both in the soil microbiome as well as within human and animal bodies. The Actinomyces genus mostly consists of Gram-positive bacilli that are facultatively anaerobic or microaerophilic rods. <sup>1</sup> Species from the Actinomyces genus often live primarily within the oral cavities of humans as part of the natural endogenous microbiome, but can become pathogenic when they are able to enter the body through open wounds, such as those stemming from poor dental hygiene. Members of the Actinomyces genus are significant because certain species (primarily A. gerencseriae and A. israelii) are known to cause the disease actinomycosis. Actinomycosis is a chronic and inflammatory granulomatous infection. This infection is referred to as granulomatous due to the granuloma, or inflammation, caused by an accumulation of macrophage immune cells that is a reaction of the host body to the invading pathogen. Actinomycosis can result in abscesses in the mouth, lungs, breast, and gastrointestinal tract in humans. While the incidence of this disease is rare, it can be particularly detrimental if and when it spreads to other tissues. | ||
=3. Genome structure= | =3. Genome structure= | ||
Revision as of 00:27, 11 December 2017
1. Classification
a. Higher order taxa
Domain: Bacteria
Phylum: Actinobacteria
Class: Actinobacteria
Order: Actinomycetales
Family: Actinomycetaceae
Genus: Actinomyces
Species: Actinomyces gerencseriae
2. Description and significance
Introduction
Actinomyces is a genus of bacteria that consists of a widely varied number of species that can exist both in the soil microbiome as well as within human and animal bodies. The Actinomyces genus mostly consists of Gram-positive bacilli that are facultatively anaerobic or microaerophilic rods. 1 Species from the Actinomyces genus often live primarily within the oral cavities of humans as part of the natural endogenous microbiome, but can become pathogenic when they are able to enter the body through open wounds, such as those stemming from poor dental hygiene. Members of the Actinomyces genus are significant because certain species (primarily A. gerencseriae and A. israelii) are known to cause the disease actinomycosis. Actinomycosis is a chronic and inflammatory granulomatous infection. This infection is referred to as granulomatous due to the granuloma, or inflammation, caused by an accumulation of macrophage immune cells that is a reaction of the host body to the invading pathogen. Actinomycosis can result in abscesses in the mouth, lungs, breast, and gastrointestinal tract in humans. While the incidence of this disease is rare, it can be particularly detrimental if and when it spreads to other tissues.
3. Genome structure
Describe the size and content of the genome. How many chromosomes? Circular or linear? Other interesting features? What is known about its sequence?
4. Cell structure
Interesting features of cell structure. Can be combined with “metabolic processes”
5. Metabolic processes
Describe important sources of energy, electrons, and carbon (i.e. trophy) for the organism/organisms you are focusing on, as well as important molecules it/they synthesize(s).
6. Ecology
Habitat; symbiosis; contributions to the environment.
7. Pathology
How does this organism cause disease? Human, animal, plant hosts? Virulence factors, as well as patient symptoms.
7. Key microorganisms
Include this section if your Wiki page focuses on a microbial process, rather than a specific taxon/group of organisms
8. Current Research
Include information about how this microbe (or related microbes) are currently being studied and for what purpose
9. References
It is required that you add at least five primary research articles (in same format as the sample reference below) that corresponds to the info that you added to this page. [Sample reference] Faller, A., and Schleifer, K. "Modified Oxidase and Benzidine Tests for Separation of Staphylococci from Micrococci". Journal of Clinical Microbiology. 1981. Volume 13. p. 1031-1035.
