Neisseria elongata
A Microbial Biorealm page on the genus Neisseria elongata
Classification
Higher order taxa
root; cellular organisms; Bacteria; Proteobacteria; Betaproteobacteria; Neisseriales; Neisseriaceae; Neisseria
Species
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NCBI: Taxonomy |
Neisseria elongata
Description and significance
Neisseria elongata, formerly known as Centers for Disease Control (CDC) group M6, was described by Bovre and Holten in 1970 as a gram-negative, rod-shaped bacterium of the family Neisseriaceae. It is found the oral bacterial flora of the human pharynx and throat (2). “N. elongata” consists of three subspecies, “N. elongata” subsp. “elongata,” “N. elongata” subsp. “glycolytica,” and “N. elongata” subsp. “nitroreducens,” in which are separated based on their biochemical differences (3). Although these subspecies of “N. elongata” were previously believed to be nonpathogenic to humans, recent case studies have indicated that all three “N. elongata” subspecies are associated with human disease, typically endocarditis and osteomyelitis (2).
Although the “N. elongata” genome has not yet been sequenced, the importance of sequencing its genome will provide information on the three “N. elongata” subspecies and will help distinguish their pathogenic roles in endocarditis and osteomyelitis. Before their pathogenic roles were discovered, “N. elongata” subsp. “elongata” and “N. elongata” subsp. “glycolytica” were considered to be transient colonizers of the human upper respiratory tract and urogentical tract (3). Thus, the sequencing of their genomes could possibly provide further insight into the difference and similarities in the factors behind their metabolism and virulent features.
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? Does it have any plasmids? Are they important to the organism's lifestyle?
Cell structure and metabolism
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Ecology
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Pathology
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Application to Biotechnology
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Current Research
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References
Edited by student of Rachel Larsen
