Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 29, 2025

06:34
Identification of Rare Bacterial Pathogens by 16S rRNA Gene Sequencing and MALDI-TOF MS
Published on: July 11, 2016
19.6K
The Genus Ochrobactrum as Major Opportunistic Pathogens
Michael P Ryan1,2, J Tony Pembroke2
1Department of Applied Sciences, Limerick Institute of Technology, Moylish, V94 EC5T Limerick, Ireland.
Microorganisms
|November 19, 2020
Summary
Ochrobactrum species, related to Brucella, are increasingly recognized as opportunistic pathogens. This review highlights 128 documented Ochrobactrum infections, suggesting they pose a greater threat than previously understood.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Bacteriology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Ochrobactrum are Gram-negative, non-enteric bacteria, closely related to Brucella.
- Several Ochrobactrum species have been identified since 1988 and linked to opportunistic infections.
- These bacteria are increasingly implicated in various outbreaks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the Ochrobactrum genus, including its species, identification methods, and pathogenicity.
- To analyze data from recent whole-genome sequencing of Ochrobactrum.
- To assess the significance of Ochrobactrum infections based on published literature.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of Ochrobactrum infections.
- Analysis of diagnostic tools for Ochrobactrum identification.
- Examination of whole-genome sequencing data for Ochrobactrum species.
- Compilation and analysis of reported Ochrobactrum pathogenicity.
Main Results:
- The review identified 128 documented instances of Ochrobactrum spp. infections in the literature.
- Ochrobactrum infections are linked to opportunistic pathogenicity.
- Whole genome sequencing data provides insights into Ochrobactrum biology.
Conclusions:
- Ochrobactrum spp. are more significant pathogens than previously recognized.
- Clinical microbiology laboratories should consider Ochrobactrum outbreaks when isolated from multiple patients.
- Further investigation into Ochrobactrum pathogenicity and diagnostics is warranted.
Related Concept Videos
Fungal Group Zygomycota
712
Zygomycota, previously classified as a distinct fungal group, are primarily terrestrial, saprophytic molds that play a crucial role as decomposers. Recent phylogenetic studies have revealed that these fungi are now divided into two major clades — Mucoromycota, which includes many symbiotic species, and Zoopagomycota, which primarily consists of parasitic and pathogenic fungi. These groups exhibit distinct ecological roles and reproductive strategies while sharing key structural and...
712
Bacterial Phylum Actinobacteria
354
Coryneform bacteria are gram-positive, aerobic, nonmotile rods that exhibit irregular, club-shaped, or V-shaped arrangements. Their V-shape results from snapping division, where the inner cell wall layer forms the cross-wall, while the outer layer remains intact until it ruptures on one side, causing the daughter cells to bend away.The primary genera are Corynebacterium and Arthrobacter. Corynebacterium includes diverse species, ranging from saprophytes to pathogens like Corynebacterium...
354
Bacterial Phylum Spirochaetes
336
Spirochetes, unique bacteria in the phylum Spirochaetes, are gram-negative, motile, tightly coiled, slender, and flexible. They inhabit aquatic sediments and animals, with some causing diseases like syphilis. Spirochetes are classified into eight genera based on habitat, pathogenicity, phylogeny, and characteristics.Their distinctive motility arises from endoflagella, located within the cell’s periplasm. These endoflagella anchor at the cell poles and extend along the cell length, encased...
336
Bacterial Phylum Bacteroidota
366
The phylum Bacteroidota includes over 700 species classified into four primary orders: Bacteroidales, Cytophagales, Flavobacteriales, and Sphingobacteriales. These gram-negative, non-sporulating rods exhibit saccharolytic capabilities and can be aerobic or fermentative, encompassing obligate aerobes, facultative aerobes, and obligate anaerobes. Many species display gliding motility, though some are nonmotile or use flagella. The genus Bacteroides is well-studied due to its significant role in...
366
Fungal Phylum Ascomycota
685
Phylum Ascomycota, a major division within the subkingdom Dikarya, comprises a diverse range of fungal species, including both unicellular yeasts and filamentous molds such as Aspergillus and Penicillium. These fungi thrive in a variety of habitats, from aquatic ecosystems to terrestrial environments, playing crucial ecological and economic roles.Morphology and ReproductionThe defining characteristic of Ascomycetes, commonly referred to as sac fungi, is the ascus—a sac-like structure that...
685
Bacterial Phylum Chlamydiae
277
The phylum Chlamydiae or Chlamydiota is composed of a single order, Chlamydiales. This phylum consists entirely of obligate intracellular parasites that infect eukaryotic hosts. While human pathogens within this group have been studied extensively, the phylum encompasses many species capable of interacting with various eukaryotic organisms. Members of Chlamydiae are typically small cocci, approximately 0.5 μm in diameter, and exhibit a distinctive developmental cycle. As is characteristic...
277

