Wohlfahritiimonas chitiniclastica

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Higher order taxa

Domain: Bacteria [1][2].

Kingdom: Pseudomonadati [1][2].

Phylum: Pseudomonadota (Proteobacteria) [1][2].

Class: Gammaproteobacteria (g-proteobacteria) [3].

Order: Cardiobacteriales [1][2].

Family: Igantzschineriaceae [1][2].

Genus: Wohlfahrtiimonas [3].

Species: Wohlfahrtiimonas chitiniclastica [3].

Description and significance

Wohlfahrtiimonas chitiniclastica is a Gram-negative, aerobic bacterium of the class Gammaproteobacteria [3]. It was first identified in 2008 from parasitic fly (Wohlfahrtia magnifica) larvae as a species within a new genus, Wohlfahrtiimonas [3]. To date, three species within the genus have been identified, with W. chitiniclastica being the only one involved in human infection [4]. W. chitiniclastica is a serious pest of livestock, and has been linked to myiasis, a condition where fly larvae infest living and necrotic tissue, particularly in wound infections caused by W. magnifica larvae [5][6][10]. Myiasis caused by W. chitiniclastica is particularly severe in people with chronic wounds, poor sanitation, or who are immunocompromised [7][8]. From its first isolation in 2008 to 2025, 44 cases of W. chitiniclastica infection have been reported globally [4]. From these previous case studies and current research, the genome structure, cell structure, basic metabolic processes, and virulence factors of W. chitiniclastica have been identified. Despite increasing clinical reports, the exact mechanism of pathogenesis and transmission routes by W. chitiniclastica remains unclear, thus inhibiting proper prevention and treatment [9].

Genome structure

Genomes of Wohlfahrtiimonas chitiniclastica have been sequenced from 28 strains found in different parts of the world, with 24 strains from human sources, and 4 from animal sources [10]. Genome sizes range from 1.99 to 2.18 million base pairs with a G+C content of 44.3 mol% [3][9]. All strains share housekeeping genes, including ribosomal proteins, as well as macrolide resistance genes including macA and macB genes and multidrug efflux systems [9]. In the accessory genome, conserved virulence factor B (cvfB) and antimicrobial resistance genes are found against tetracycline, aminoglycosides, sulfonamide, streptomycin, chloraphenicol, and beta lactamases [10]. Genes for toxin-antitoxin (TA) modules that mediate cell stress, including the relG toxin, the YefM-YoeB module, and PasTI modules, were identified [10]. Additionally, Type 2 Secretion (T2S) system genes for cellular and tissue degrading proteins, including proteases, cellulases, pectinases, phospholipases, lipases, were identified [9][10]. . Genes encoding for proteins involved in chitin degradation (which is found in insect exoskeletons) reflect the bacteria’s parasitic relationship with flies [3][9][10]. Strain BM-Y isolated from a zebra carries the blaVEB-1 gene cassette, which can express extended-spectrum β-lactamase (EBSL), resulting in reduced efficacy of β-lactam antibiotics [11].

Cell structure

Wohlfahrtiimonas chitiniclastica is Gram-negative, with rod-shaped cells that are approximately 1.5 -- 2.0 µm in length and 0.5 -- 1.0 µm in width [3]. Wohlfahrtiimonas chitiniclastica is strictly aerobic, non-motile, and non-spore-forming [8]. Colonies grown on nutrient agar at 35 ℃ are smooth, convex, glistening, and have entire edges [3][6].

Metabolic processes

W. chitiniclastica is a chemoorganoheterotroph, utilizing organic compounds for both carbon and energy [9]. It is a facultative anaerobe, allowing it to metabolize substrates through aerobic respiration and utilize byproducts of host inflammation [9]. W. chitiniclastica also secretes digestive proteins including proteases, cellulases, pectinases, phospholipases, and lipases, allowing better infectivity [9][10]. Wohlfahrtiimonas chitiniclastica produces chitinase enzymes, allowing it to break down chitin, a major component of insect exoskeletons and fungal cell walls, which helps W. chitiniclastica invade fly larvae and spread through myiasis [3][9]. Additionally, W. chitiniclastica is non-fermentative and is capable of metabolizing amino acids for growth [9].

Ecology

Wohlfahrtiimonas chitiniclastica was originally isolated from parasitic flies, specifically a primary laboratory culture of a third stage Wohlfahrtia magnifica larvae [3]. Wohlfahrtia magnifica is a serious pest of live vertebrates, primarily livestock, in Eastern Europe, the Mediterranean, and Middle Asia. However, increasing global cases, with infection cases in South America and Australia where Wohlfahrtia magnifica does not exist, indicate that W. chitiniclastica can be transmitted from other fly species in different regions, including Lucilia sericata, Lucilia illustris, Chrysomya megacephala, Hermetia illucens, and Musca domestica [5][6[10]. W. chitiniclastica infections have been documented with 21 cases in Europe, 15 cases in the United States, 6 in Asia, 1 in Australia, and 1 in Africa [5][10]. W. chitiniclastica is usually spread through the infestation of parasitic flies’ larvae, which infest mammals, including humans and livestock [10]. The variety of geographical location in which W. chitiniclastica has been identified indicates its ability to survive in various environmental temperatures [10].

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.

Edited by Insert your Names, student of Jennifer Bhatnagar for [http://www.bu.edu/academics/cas/courses/cas-bi-311/ BI 311 General Microbiology], 2024, Boston University. [[Category:Pages edited by students of Jennifer Bhatnagar at Boston University]]