Serratia odorifera

Classification Bacteria; Pseudomonadota; Gammaproteobacteria; Enterobacterales; Yersiniaceae

Species Serratia odorifera

Description and Significance A microscopic organism, their appearance cant be easily looked at without the use of a microscope. Comes in various different shapes, spheres (cocci), rods (bacilli), and spirals. But, the color depends on the specific strain and conditions in which its grown. Serratia odorifera is usually red, and can often be mistaken as blood. I think this bacteria is important for people to know about due to the commonality of it, many people get infections from Serratia in their lifetime but do not know this is exactly what causes it.

Genome Structure Gram-negative straight rods, with rounded ends,0.5–0.8 μm in diameter and 0.9–2 μm in length.The assembled genome contains a 5,552,016-bp circular chromosome.Serratia is the production of cell-associated red color pigment, prodigiosin.It produces a fishy odor.

Cell Structure, Metabolism and Life Cycle Serratia utilizes a metabolic enzyme, ADP glucose pyrophosphorylase,it uses fermentation as the means of gathering energy and has enzymes that protect it from reactive oxygen species, allowing it to live in oxygenated environments.

The growth of Serratia has been observed at pH 9 and at temperatures ranging from 20 to 37 °C

Ecology and Pathogenesis This organism exhibits a wide distribution across various ecosystems, being notably present in water, soil, plants, insects, animals, mammals (including humans), and food sources.In addition to its diverse environmental presence, Serratia odorifera plays a crucial role in symbiotic relationships. Symbiosis with other organisms provides a platform for important physiological functions. One function involves the synthesis of essential nutrients, contributing to the overall ecological balance within its host environments. This nutrient synthesis not only benefits the microorganism itself but can also have implications for the ecological community. Additionally, the microorganism has been in the stimulation of the immune system, suggesting a complex connection between Serratia odorifera and its host organisms.

It is a potential pathogen for insects, animals, and humans and is an important cause of nosocomial (hospital-acquired) infections in humans.This bacterium is now recognized as an opportunistic pathogen in humans and may spread in epidemic proportions causing nosocomial infections in hospitalized patients.This bacteria is known to causes a range of infections including cystitis, arthritis, eye infections, respiratory tract infections, UTIs, septicemia, meningitis, and wound infections.

References ACIR community. (n.d.). https://acir.aphis.usda.gov/s/cird-taxon/a0u3d000000YcByAAK/serratia-odorifera

Chmel, H. (1988, June). Serratia odorifera biogroup 1 causing an invasive human infection. Journal of clinical microbiology. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC266576/#:~:text=Serratia%20odorifera%20biogroup%201%20was,responsible%20for%20invasive%20human%20infection

Serratia odorifera. Serratia odorifera - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics. (n.d.). https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/serratia-odorifera#:~:text=Serratia%20can%20produce%20alternate%20forms,DNAase%2C%20lipase%2C%20and%20gelatinase

Author Page authored by Gabby Ferrante, student of Prof. Bradley Tolar at UNC Wilmington.