Mycobacterium mucogenicum

1. Classification

a. Higher order taxa

Bacteria: Bacteria Phylum: Actinobacteria Order: Actinomycetales Suborder: Corynebacterineae Family: Mycobacteriaceae Genus: Mycobacterium Species: Mycobacterium mucogenicum

2. Description and significance

Mycobacterium mucogenicum was first discovered in a dialysis patient who developed septicemia via a catheter line that had been washed in infected water (1). It was characterized in 1982 as Mycobacterium chelonae-like organisms and in 1995 was delineated as a unique species, M. mucogenicum. This bacterium grows rapidly (colony formation in less than 7 days), is nonpigmented, and weakly Gram-positive (2). It is nonmotile, curved, and has a smooth colony morphology. Testing also reveals it is an aerobic, acid-fast rod; it has been found in both water and soil.

M. mucogenicum are associated with a wide range of clinical diseases and has been observed in complex infections of both immunocompromised and immunocompetent individuals. M. mucogenicum is able to tolerate various disinfectants including chlorination and extreme temperature (3). The bacteria’s unique structure is relevant to correctly identifying and treating the disease outbreaks because the susceptibility pattern and epidemiological links are distinct to this species (4). Recent outbreaks continue to occur, but the time before identification, number of infections, and mortality rate are all lower than when this bacteria was first being studied. Updating procedures as well as knowledge about this species can only continue to improve outcomes in vulnerable

3. 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?

4. Cell structure

Interesting features of cell structure. Can be combined with “metabolic processes”

5. Metabolic processes

Describe important sources of energy, electrons, and carbon (i.e. trophy) for the organism/organisms you are focusing on, as well as important molecules it/they synthesize(s).

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.

7. Key microorganisms

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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.