Streptobacillus Moniliformis: Difference between revisions

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Genus - Streptobacillus
Genus - Streptobacillus
Species - Moniliformis
Species - Moniliformis
=2. Introduction=
The bacterium Streptobacillus moniliformis is a Gram-negative bacterium known for causing RBF (Rat Bite Fever) in humans. RBF is a zoonotic disease typically caused by direct contact with an infected rodent, such as via a rat bite (2), but it can also be contracted by indirect contact with an infected rodent through consumption of contaminants (Haverhill fever) (3). When humans are infected with S. moniliformis, the distinguishable symptoms consist of high fevers, rashes, joint and muscle pain, nausea, vomiting, and headaches (2). Children are the main population that is affected by this disease, due to the increase in children owning pets such as mice, rats, guinea pigs, hamsters, etc. (4).
RBF is not well known in the United States, so data on this disease is limited (4). With increased crowding in cities where wild rodents tend to thrive, coupled with the increase in children owning rodents, people may be more susceptible to S. moniliformis than they were in the past (5). Current research focuses on advancements in detection and identification methods (2).


=2. Description and significance=
=2. Description and significance=

Revision as of 14:44, 6 December 2021

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1. Classification

a. Higher order taxa

The scientific classification for S. moniliformis is as followed, according to NCBI (1): Domain - Bacteria Phylum - Fusobacteria Class - Fusobacteriaceae Order - Leptotrichiaceae Genus - Streptobacillus Species - Moniliformis

2. Introduction

The bacterium Streptobacillus moniliformis is a Gram-negative bacterium known for causing RBF (Rat Bite Fever) in humans. RBF is a zoonotic disease typically caused by direct contact with an infected rodent, such as via a rat bite (2), but it can also be contracted by indirect contact with an infected rodent through consumption of contaminants (Haverhill fever) (3). When humans are infected with S. moniliformis, the distinguishable symptoms consist of high fevers, rashes, joint and muscle pain, nausea, vomiting, and headaches (2). Children are the main population that is affected by this disease, due to the increase in children owning pets such as mice, rats, guinea pigs, hamsters, etc. (4). RBF is not well known in the United States, so data on this disease is limited (4). With increased crowding in cities where wild rodents tend to thrive, coupled with the increase in children owning rodents, people may be more susceptible to S. moniliformis than they were in the past (5). Current research focuses on advancements in detection and identification methods (2).

2. Description and significance

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

  • Include as many headings as are relevant to your microbe. Consider using the headings below, as they will allow readers to quickly locate specific information of major interest*

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

S. moniliformis is a chemoheterotroph, using carbohydrates as an energy source, and monosaccharides and starch as carbon sources (12). The bacterium does not produce catalase or oxidase enzymes, suggesting that the bacterium uses fermentation for metabolism. The bacterium produces acid from metabolism of glucose, fructose, maltose, and starch, but no gas (12). There is disagreement regarding the oxygen requirements of the bacterium: S. moniliformis has been classified as a facultative anaerobe (13) and a microaerophile (14), while S. moniliformis isolated from guinea pigs specifically has been shown to behave as an obligate anaerobe (15).

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.