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Taxonomic position of the rickettsiae: current knowledge
1Unité des Rickettsies Faculté de Médecine 27, Marseille, France.
FEMS Microbiology Reviews
|January 1, 1994
Summary
Molecular studies are revolutionizing rickettsial taxonomy, reclassifying intracellular bacteria like Ehrlichiae and Rochalimaea. This research clarifies bacterial relationships within Proteobacteria, refining our understanding of Rickettsia and Coxiella genera.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Bacterial Taxonomy
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Rickettsiae were historically defined broadly as intracellular bacteria.
- Early classification relied on limited phenotypic traits.
- Recent molecular advancements necessitate taxonomic revisions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To re-evaluate and update the taxonomy of rickettsiae.
- To integrate molecular data into bacterial classification.
- To clarify the phylogenetic positions of various rickettsial groups.
Main Methods:
- Phylogenetic analysis of molecular data (e.g., gene sequences).
- Comparison of molecular findings with existing phenotypic classifications.
- Bioinformatic analysis of bacterial genomes.
Main Results:
- All studied rickettsiae belong to the alpha and gamma Proteobacteria groups.
- The Ehrlichiae complex includes Cowdria ruminantium, Anaplasma marginale, and Wolbachia.
- Molecular data enable regrouping of typhus and spotted fever groups within Rickettsia.
Conclusions:
- Molecular data provide a robust basis for rickettsial taxonomy.
- The classification of Ehrlichiae, Rochalimaea, and Rickettsia species has been refined.
- Further research is needed to define the full scope of Rickettsia and Coxiella genera.