Leptospira noguchii
1. Classification
Higher order taxa
Bacteria; Spirochaetota; Spirochaetia; Leptospirales; Leptospiraceae; Leptospira
2. Description and significance
Leptospira noguchii are Gram-negative spirochete-shaped bacteria (2). L. noguchii is an emerging pathogen that has been linked to the pathogenic disease Leptospirosis, which is known to affect humans and other mammals, most importantly cattle (2). It has been directly linked to an outbreak with reproductive disorders in a Brazilian dairy goat flock in 2022 (3).
3. Genome structure
The genome size of L. noguchii (Serovar Panama, Strain U73) is 4.7 Mb and has a GC content of 35.5% (15). The genome contains 4034 total genes with 3798 coding genes. Genes relevant to virulence factors included lipoprotein and immunoglobulin-like protein genes lipL41, lipL36, lolC/D, and ligA which are shared by L. interrogans. Several antimicrobial resistance genes are identified which includes efflux pumps (mdtA, mdtB, norM) and metal resistance genes (sugE, czcA, czcD). L. noguchii serotypes were sourced from various wild and domestic animals, such as cattle, and from human patients. Three serotypes were previously established as Bataviae, Australis, and Autumnalis and were confirmed by the sequencing of the rpoB gene (7). A recent phylogenetic study yielded sequencing results of the secY locus, identifying additional L. noguchii serogroups Panama and Pyrogenes (8).
4. Cell structure
L. noguchii is a spirochete and Gram-negative bacterium, which has a peptidoglycan cell wall surrounded by an outer membrane of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) (2). They tend to range from 0.1 μm by 6 μm to 0.1 μm to 20 μm (3). Leptospiral species differ from most pathogenic spirochetes, having a more LPS-rich outer layer (9). Lipid A of leptospires is unique in that it contains a phosphorylated and methylated glucosamine disaccharide unit (2). Leptospires have two periplasmic flagella which allow motility, as well as distinct hooked ends identified through electron microscopy (2).
5. Metabolic processes
L. noguchii is a chemoorganotrophic organism and obligate aerobe which metabolizes long chain fatty acids as its main carbon source (2). Alcohol and long-chain fatty acids are the primary carbon and energy sources for L. noguchii (10). Leptospira also produces catalase, oxidase, and peroxidase which are key in metabolizing compounds during oxidative phosphorylation (10).
6. Ecology
Habitat; symbiosis; contributions to the environment.
7. Pathology
How does this organism cause disease? Human, animal, plant hosts? Virulence factors, as well as patient symptoms.
8. Current Research
Include information about how this microbe (or related microbes) are currently being studied and for what purpose
9. 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.
