Brachyspira pilosicoli

This student page has not been curated.

Legend. Image credit: Name or Publication.

Classification

Bacteria; Spirochaetota; Spirochaetia; Brachyspriales; Brachyspiraceae; Brachyspira; B. pilosicoli

Species

NCBI: [1]

Brachyspira

Description and Significance

Brachyspira pilosicoli is a gram-negative, anaerobic, spiral shaped bacteria. It has been known to cause diarrhea and colitis in animals such as pigs and chicken. In humans its known to cause diarrhea, colitis, headaches, abdominal pain, weight loss and could lead to poor growth rates and impaired production on farms.

Describe the appearance, habitat, etc. of the organism, and why you think it is important.

Genome Structure

Its is approximately 6-11µm in length and 0.2-0.3µm in width. It can be commonly found in humans and animals intestinal tract. It has a circular genome of 2,586,443 base pairs. The genome is 95/1000 sequenced and assembled. Other bacteria with in the family such as "Brachyspira murdochii" are near completion of being fully sequenced.

Describe the size and content of the genome. How many chromosomes? Circular or linear? Other interesting features? What is known about its sequence?

Cell Structure, Metabolism and Life Cycle

Interesting features of cell structure; how it gains energy; what important molecules it produces.

Ecology and Pathogenesis

Habitat; symbiosis; biogeochemical significance; contributions to environment.

If relevant, how does this organism cause disease? Human, animal, plant hosts? Virulence factors, as well as patient symptoms.

References

[Sample reference] Takai, K., Sugai, A., Itoh, T., and Horikoshi, K. "Palaeococcus ferrophilus gen. nov., sp. nov., a barophilic, hyperthermophilic archaeon from a deep-sea hydrothermal vent chimney". International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology. 2000. Volume 50. p. 489-500.

Author

Page authored by _____, student of Prof. Bradley Tolar at UNC Wilmington.