Brucella melitensis
A Microbial Biorealm page on the genus Brucella melitensis
Classification
Higher order taxa
Kingdom: Bacteria
Phylum: Proteobacteria
Class: Alpha Proteobacteria
Order: Rhizobiales
Genus: Brucellaceae
Species
Brucella melitensis
Description and significance
Brucella sp. is a small, Gram-negative coccobacillus, which can be grown slowly in vitro, and causes Brucellosis. Brucellosis can be described as a "zoonotic disease that causes systemic symptoms and can involve many organs and tissues." (Sakran et al. 2006). Brucella sp. acts as a pathogen that can induce "abortion and sterility in domestic mammals and chronic infections could easily be contracted through "consumption of unpasteurized dairy products and occupational contact." (Sakran et al. 2006). Right now, the most frequent organism in Israel is Brucella melitensis.
Genome structure
The genome of Brucella melitensis stain 16M was found to have two circular chromosomes in which 3,294,931 base pairs were distributed after being sequenced. Of those two chromosomes, 3918 ORFS (open reading frames) were predicted. It was also discovered that genes that coded for DNA replication, protein synthesis, core metabolism and cell-wall biosynthesis (all of these were considered "housekeeping genes") were located on both chromosomes (DelVecchio et al. 2002).
After sequencing the genomes of Brucella sp., it was discovered that Brucella abortus, Brucella suis 1330, and Brucella melitensis 16M had a genetic content and gene organization that were remarkably similar and identical. On the contrary, a number of insertion and deletion events were also identified in the genomes. Because of these insertion and deletion events that occurred, several fragments that were previously recognized as unique sequences belonging to either Brucella suis or Brucella melitensis were also present in the Brucella abortus genome. Therefore, further analysis of the genome sequence of Brucella abortus can give exquisite information of these bacteria. (Halling et al. 2005).
Cell structure and metabolism
Describe any interesting features and/or cell structures; how it gains energy; what important molecules it produces.
Ecology
Describe any interactions with other organisms (included eukaryotes), contributions to the environment, effect on environment, etc.
Pathology
How does this organism cause disease? Human, animal, plant hosts? Virulence factors, as well as patient symptoms.
Application to Biotechnology
Does this organism produce any useful compounds or enzymes? What are they and how are they used?
Current Research
Enter summaries of the most recent research here--at least three required
References
Edited by student of Rachel Larsen and Kit Pogliano
