Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 7, 2026
08:34
Investigating the Alleviating Effects of Bacillus cereus Administration on Colitis through Gut Microbiota Modulation
Published on: July 27, 2022
1.3K
Features of Bacillus cereus swarm cells.
Sonia Senesi1, Sara Salvetti, Francesco Celandroni
1Dipartimento di Biologia, Via San Zeno, 37-39, 56127 Pisa, Pisa University, Italy. ssenesi@biologia.unipi.it
Research in Microbiology
|November 2, 2010
Summary
Bacillus cereus swarm cells are adaptable and more virulent, aiding pathogen invasion. Understanding their environmental and genetic needs is key to controlling this medically important bacterium.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Bacterial Pathogenesis
- Cellular Differentiation
Background:
- Bacillus cereus exhibits versatile swarming behavior on solid surfaces, enabling adaptation to diverse environmental conditions.
- Swarming by Bacillus cereus is a critical factor in its pathogenicity, as differentiated swarm cells display enhanced virulence.
- Swarm cell differentiation is influenced by a complex interplay of genetic and environmental factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the environmental and genetic requirements governing Bacillus cereus swarming.
- To elucidate the role of swarm cells in the virulence of Bacillus cereus.
- To highlight the importance of understanding swarming for controlling this pathogen.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on Bacillus cereus swarming.
- Analysis of genetic factors, including flagellar and metabolic genes, involved in swarm cell differentiation.
- Examination of environmental conditions that promote or inhibit swarming.
Main Results:
- Bacillus cereus can produce differentiated swarm cells across a broad spectrum of growth conditions.
- Swarm cell differentiation is regulated by both flagellar genes and genes involved in various metabolic pathways.
- Swarm cells are demonstrably more virulent and invasive compared to non-swarming cells.
Conclusions:
- The adaptability of Bacillus cereus swarming is crucial for its ecological success and pathogenicity.
- Targeting the genetic and environmental factors controlling swarming may offer strategies to mitigate Bacillus cereus virulence.
- Further research into swarm cell differentiation is essential for understanding and combating Bacillus cereus infections.
Related Concept Videos
01:19Pericarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests
337
Pericarditis is distinguished by inflammation of the pericardium, the fibrous sac that encases the heart. It can be acute, lasting less than six weeks, or chronic, persisting for over three months. Understanding its clinical manifestations and diagnostic findings is crucial for timely and effective management.Clinical ManifestationsWhile pericarditis can be asymptomatic, it usually presents with characteristic symptoms such as:Chest Pain: The most characteristic symptom of pericarditis is chest...
337
01:25Endocarditis II: Clinical Features of Infective Endocarditis
530
Endocarditis can present various clinical features depending on the causative organism and the patient's underlying health conditions. Initially, the clinical features of infective endocarditis develop gradually, presenting with nonspecific symptoms that can be easily mistaken for other illnesses.General SymptomsEarly symptoms of infective endocarditis are fever, chills, weakness, malaise, fatigue, and weight loss. These symptoms reflect the systemic nature of the infection and the body's...
530
01:18Distinctive Features of Adult Stem Cells vs Cancer Stem Cells
4.5K
A stem cell is an unspecialized cell that can divide without limit as needed and can, under specific conditions, differentiate into specialized cells.
Adult stem cells
Adult stem cells are tissue-specific; hence, they divide to develop the tissue from which they originate. One type of adult stem cell is the epithelial stem cell, which gives rise to the keratinocytes in the multiple layers of epithelial cells in the epidermis of the skin. Adult bone marrow has three distinct types of stem cells:...
Adult stem cells
Adult stem cells are tissue-specific; hence, they divide to develop the tissue from which they originate. One type of adult stem cell is the epithelial stem cell, which gives rise to the keratinocytes in the multiple layers of epithelial cells in the epidermis of the skin. Adult bone marrow has three distinct types of stem cells:...
4.5K
01:20COPD: Pathogenesis and Clinical Features
1.9K
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a group of lung conditions that progressively worsen over time, including chronic bronchitis and emphysema. This cluster of diseases collectively leads to a gradual and irreversible decline in lung function over time.
The primary cause for the onset of COPD is cigarette smoking and exposure to air pollution. These hazardous factors initiate a chain reaction within the lungs, resulting in chronic inflammation, damage to the airways, and a...
The primary cause for the onset of COPD is cigarette smoking and exposure to air pollution. These hazardous factors initiate a chain reaction within the lungs, resulting in chronic inflammation, damage to the airways, and a...
1.9K
01:20Special Features of Adaptive Immunity
3.3K
The adaptive immune system, a crucial component of the overall immune response, offers a highly specialized defense against pathogens. It involves specific cell types and features, enabling it to combat infections effectively and efficiently.
The primary cell types involved in adaptive immunity are T cells and B cells. Each type has a unique role in defending the body against pathogens. T cells are responsible for cell-mediated immunity. They identify and eliminate infected cells directly,...
The primary cell types involved in adaptive immunity are T cells and B cells. Each type has a unique role in defending the body against pathogens. T cells are responsible for cell-mediated immunity. They identify and eliminate infected cells directly,...
3.3K
01:26Esophageal Strictures-II: Clinical Features and Management
672
Patients with esophageal strictures often experience a range of symptoms. Initially, they may have difficulty swallowing solid foods, which can progress to include liquids. Additional symptoms may involve chest pain or discomfort, regurgitating food and fluids, heartburn, unintentional weight loss, coughing or choking during meals, and hoarseness.
Healthcare providers should gather a comprehensive medical history and conduct a physical examination for diagnosis. If esophageal stricture is...
Healthcare providers should gather a comprehensive medical history and conduct a physical examination for diagnosis. If esophageal stricture is...
672