Lysinibacillus fusiformis | |
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Scientific classification ![]() | |
Domain: | Bacteria |
Kingdom: | Bacillati |
Phylum: | Bacillota |
Class: | Bacilli |
Order: | Bacillales |
Family: | Caryophanaceae |
Genus: | Lysinibacillus |
Species: | L. fusiformis |
Binomial name | |
Lysinibacillus fusiformis (Ahmed et al., 2007) | |
Type strain | |
ZC1 ZB2 HK1 B-1 DSM 2898 JCM 12229 LMG 9816 ATCC 7055 CCUG 28888 NBRC 15717 | |
Synonyms | |
Bacillus fusiformis Contents |
Lysinibacillus fusiformis (commonly abbreviated L. fusiformis) is a gram-positive, rod-shaped bacterium of the genus Lysinibacillus . [1] Scientists have yet to completely characterize this microbe's pathogenic nature. [2] [3] Though little is known about this organism, several genome sequencing projects for various strains of L. fusiformis are currently underway. [4]
Lysinibacillus fusiformis was initially isolated from the surface of beta vulgaris by German biologist Dr. O. Gottheil in 1901. [5] Dr. Gottheil used a variety of isolation techniques, which included cultivating the organism on carrot and beet slices. [5] L. fusiformis was originally known as Bacillus fusiformis prior to 2007; at which point it was reclassified to the genus Lysinibacillus , along with its close relative Bacillus sphaericus. [6] The taxonomic classification of the organism was reassigned as a result of L. fusiformis' distinctive characteristics, such as physiology, phylogeny, and peptidoglycan composition.[ citation needed ]
The meaning of "lysini," as it pertains to members of the genus Lysinibacillus , signifies the presence of lysine, alanine, glutamic acid, and aspartic acid in the peptidoglycan layer of the cell wall. [6] “Bacillus”, meaning small-rod, refers to the rod-shaped physiology of the bacterial form. [1] “Fusum” translates to spindle and “forma” denotes a particular figure, appearance, or configuration. Thus, “fusiformis” is derived from the bacteria's spindle-like structure. [1]
Lysinibacillus fusiformis is gram-positive, rod-shaped, non-motile bacterium. [7] Active cells have an approximate length of 2.5-3.0 micrometers and an approximate width of 0.5-0.9 micrometers. [8] Under strenuous conditions, this microbe can generate inactive spherical endospores that are resistant to high temperatures, damaging chemicals, and ultraviolet light. [7] The developing endospores localize either centrally or terminally within the enlarged sporangia and can remain functional for long periods of time. [7]
Lysinibacillus fusiformis is a naturally occurring bacterium and various strains have been isolated from multiple environments including farming soil and factory wastewater. [5] [8] This organism is considered to be altogether mesophilic; growing best at a temperature range of 17-37 degrees Celsius. [7] L. fusiformis is also considered to be mildly alkaliphilic and moderately halophilic; growing best at a pH range of 6–9.5 and an NaCl concentration of 2-7%. [7]
In the 20th century, Lysinibacillus fusiformis was believed to cause a form of pathogenicity in humans relating to tropical ulcer formations and dermal and/or respiratory infections. [2] Some researchers believed that L. fusiformis infections could only occur as a symbiotic relationship with certain spirochaete species. [3] Multiple experiments to prove the existence of pathogenicity have turned up inconclusive [2] [3] In 2010, researchers identified a strain of L. fusiformis, B-1, from 16S rRNA gene analysis. [9] This strain has been found exclusively in the toxin of the puffer fish, Takifugu obscurus. [9] This toxin is a tetrodotoxin, which is a highly fatal neurotoxin that destroys the central nervous system of humans causing paralysis. [9] L. fusiformis is shown to be sensitive to the common broad-spectrum antibiotic known as tetracycline. [1]
Lysinibacillus fusiformis tests positive for oxidase and is an obligate aerobe. [7] This means that it can utilize oxygen to metabolize various sugars and other simple carbohydrates. [7] However, it does not metabolize polysaccharides such as starch. [7] This organism does not produce acid or gas from the metabolism of D-glucose or any other carbohydrates and does not reduce nitrate to nitrite. [7] L. fusiformis can hydrolyze casein and gelatin. [7] It can also utilize acetate, citrate, formate, lactate, and succinate as carbon sources. [7] From a metabolic standpoint, L. fusiformis and Lysinibacillus sphaericus are nearly identical. [1] As of now, the only known factor that distinguishes these two species is that L. fusiformis is positive for urease. [1] This means that L. fusiformis can hydrolyze urea to produce ammonia and CO2. [10] In 2011, the strain L. fusiformis ZC1 was shown to retain the ability to reduce chromate to chromium. [8]
As of 2014, there are a couple partial 16S rRNA gene sequences (GenBank No. AF169537 and EU430993) that have been analyzed for L. fusiformis and several whole genome sequences of various strains. [4] [11] There are multiple ongoing genome sequencing projects involving this organism. [4] Currently, these genomic sequences exist as scaffolds and include the following strains: Lysinibacillus fusiformis H1K, Lysinibacillus fusiformis ZB2, and Lysinibacillus fusiformis ZC1. [4] According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, L. fusiformis ZC1 (BioProject: PRJNA226204) is the current genomic representative for L. fusiformis. [4] The L. fusiformis ZC1 genome was sequenced using the whole genome shotgun sequencing method. [8] Genomic analysis of strain ZC1 shows a genome with an approximate length of 4.65 megabases that contains 4,729 protein-coding genes and maintains a relatively moderate GC content (mol%) of 37.3%. [8] The gene chrA was found in L. fusiformis and encodes a chromate Cr(VI) transporter that confirms chromate Cr(VI) resistance. [8]
The mechanism of L. fusiformis’ pathogenicity is not well understood by microbiologists.[ citation needed ]
In 2016, a group of researchers led by Prof. A. B. Ade at the Department of Botany, Savitribai Phule University, Pune, MS, India reported 22% reduction in weight loss of the plastic (polythene) with Lysinibacillus fusiformis strain VASB14/WL after 2 months of regular shaking at room temperature. [12]