Pasteurella multocida
Classification
Higher order taxa
Bacteria; Proteobacteria; Gammaproteobacteria; Pasteurellales; Pasteurellaceae; Pasteurella
Genus
Pasteurella multocida PM70
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NCBI: Taxonomy |
Description and significance
In 1878, Pasteurella multocida was discovered in birds infected with cholera. Then in 1880, Louis Pasteur isolated it. P. multocida is a small, gram-negative bacterium. It is non-motile coccobacillus and penicillin-sensitive. It can cause infections in humans, as a result of cat or dog bites and scratches. Mammals and birds have it as part of their normal respiratory microbiota and display infections. P. multocida live in the upper respiratory tract of many vertebrate hosts. These include cats, dogs, rabbits, cows, pigs, and fowl. The host species provides these bacteria with nutrients, and if the bacteria are present in an external environment, it is only temporary. This bacteria is located in a wide range of environments. Cholera outbreaks are usually reported in the United States in north central California, the MidWest, and the Muleshoe National Refuge in Texas.
Genome structure
Number of nucleotides: 2257487 Number of protein genes: 2015 Number of RNA genes: 77 It has a circular chromosome and a plasmid. The chromosome is 2250 kb long.
Cell structure and metabolism
The P. multocida genome shows 129 lipoproteins that are secreted and located in the outer membrane. Protein H has been found to be the major polypeptide in the outer membrane of the P. multocida. This bacteria has a capsule and lipopolysaccharides. The capsule helps to avoid phagocytosis. Lipopolysaccharides are important for survival of the bacteria in the host. The P. multocida toxin has surface adhesis and iron acquisition proteins for attachment and invasion of host cells and to survive in a hostile environment.
Ecology
P. Multocida causes disease in both wild and domesticated animals. If released into the environment by dead birds, it can infect healthy birds, so cholera in birds spreads quickly in wetlands. It can be spread through contaminated drinking water and waste. Inhalation is also another means of transmission of the bacteria. Disease outbreaks have been shown to follow bird migration routes, especially the snow geese. Wildlife biologists believe that these bacteria are transmitted by carrier birds or live in contaminated wetlands throughout the whole year.
Pathology
How does this organism cause disease? Human, animal, plant hosts? Virulence factors, as well as patient symptoms.
Application to Biotechnology
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Current Research
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References
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Edited by student of Rachel Larsen and Kit Pogliano
