What is Bacillus cereus group?

The Bacillus cereus group, also known as B. cereus sensu lato, is a subdivision of the Bacillus genus that comprises several closely related species of Gram-positive, rod-shaped, spore-forming bacteria. The group includes eight formally recognized species: B. cereus sensu stricto, B. anthracis, B. thuringiensis, B. weihenstephanensis/B. mycoides, B. pseudomycoides, B. cytotoxicus, and B. toyonensis.

These bacteria are widespread in nature and are commonly associated with food poisoning, intestinal infections, and other pathogenic potential. The B. cereus group has been the subject of extensive research, and its taxonomy and species status have been determined based on phenotypic characteristics and genotypic methods, including Whole Genome Sequencing. The bacteria within this group have a wide range of virulence factors and can cause foodborne illness, localized wound and eye infections, as well as systemic disease.

Additionally, certain strains of B. thuringiensis are entomopathogens and have been commercialized for use as biopesticides, while some strains have been reported to cause infection in immunocompromised individuals.

The phylogeny of the B. cereus group is based on chromosomal genes, and the assignment of a specific isolate to a single species or phylogenetic group can be complicated due to the presence of important virulence and phenotypic traits that are plasmid-borne and can be lost or horizontally transferred.

In summary, the Bacillus cereus group encompasses a diverse set of bacteria with pathogenic potential and has implications for food safety, public health, and microbiology research.

Commercial MALDI-TOF MS systems can only differentiate species of the Bacillus cereus group with difficulty, often only at the group level.
However, the adapted work-up protocols and the Mabriteccentral.com algorithm enable a clear differentiation of all B. cereus group species using MALDI-TOF MS.

How we identify Bacillus cereus group with MALDI TOF MS

Fresh sample

Short incubation time (3-5 hours) to minimise the formation of spores

Sample preparation

Washing of sample and physical distruption with glass beads

Spectra acquisition

Sinapic acid as matrix in a massrange from 4-30kDa

Mabriteccentral.com

Identification and interpretation by mabriteccentral and it’s algorithm.

Nocardia fluminea

Nocardia fluminea is a species of bacteria belonging to the genus Nocardia. It was described in 2000 as part of the Nocardia salmonicida clade, which also includes Nocardia cummidelens and Nocardia soli. Nocardia is a genus of weakly staining Gram-positive, catalase-positive, rod-shaped bacteria, and some species are known to cause nocardiosis in humans, particularly in immunocompromised individuals. The clinical and laboratory features of Nocardia species, including N. fluminea, are important for understanding their pathogenic potential and for guiding treatment decisions.

Serratia ficaria

Serratia ficaria, a lesser-known member of the Enterobacteriaceae family, might just be the most unassuming party crasher in the microbial world. Originally discovered hanging out in fig trees, this bacterium has occasionally gatecrashed human clinical samples, showing up in places like gallbladders and leg ulcers. Despite its rare appearances in medical settings, S. ficaria remains a bit of a mystery, often misidentified or flying under the radar due to its non-pigmented, lactose-negative colonies that emit a potatolike odor.

This bacterium’s claim to fame? It’s not just a figment of your imagination—it’s a fig-ment of reality! Found primarily in fig tree ecosystems, S. ficaria has a knack for popping up in fig-related infections, making it a fig-ure of interest in both botanical and medical circles. While it might not be the life of the party in the microbial community, its ability to sneak into human hosts through fig consumption adds a twist to its otherwise low-profile existence.

So, next time you’re enjoying a fig, remember Serratia ficaria: the microbe that likes to keep it fig-ureal!

Pannonibacter indicus

Pannonibacter indicus, a bacterium that could probably win a survival reality show, is a tiny but mighty organism that thrives in environments that would make most other bacteria wave the white flag. This microscopic marvel has a knack for living in places with more alkaline than a battery factory, and it’s not just surviving; it’s thriving in the soda lakes of Hungary, where the pH scale runs higher than the scores on a rigged carnival game.

In a plot twist worthy of a soap opera, P. indicus has a gene cluster that’s like a Swiss Army knife for dealing with arsenic. While most of us would keel over at the mere thought of arsenic, P. indicus is out there neutralizing it like a detox guru. It’s got this nifty trick up its sleeve (or cell wall) where it can transform the toxic arsenate into something a bit less deadly, all thanks to a special proline residue that’s essential for its arsenate reductase activity. It’s like having a built-in water filter that turns the nastiest tap water into a crisp mountain spring.

But wait, there’s more! P. indicus isn’t just a one-trick pony. It’s got a distant cousin, Pannonibacter phragmitetus, that’s been causing a bit of a stir in the medical community. This relative is not only resistant to a smorgasbord of antibiotics but also has a penchant for causing infections that are as rare as a polite conversation on social media. With only a handful of cases reported, P. phragmitetus infections are like collector’s items for infectious disease specialists.

So, if you’re ever feeling down about your own survival skills, just remember Pannonibacter indicus. It’s out there in the world, turning toxic waste into a walk in the park and living it up in pH levels that would make most organisms’ proteins unfold faster than a cheap lawn chair.

Fructilactobacillus lindneri

Formation and Resuscitation

Fructilactobacillus lindneri, a name that sounds like it was coined during a particularly wild night of Scrabble, is a lactic acid bacterium with a penchant for playing hide and seek in your beer. This microbe, a party crasher in the world of fermented beverages, has mastered the art of going incognito by entering a “viable but nonculturable” (VBNC) state at low temperatures. Imagine it as the ultimate introvert at a party, blending into the background, undetectable by the usual microbial guest list checks. This stealth mode allows it to linger undetected in refrigerated beers, plotting its sour takeover. When conditions become more to its liking, akin to the introvert spotting a fellow sci-fi enthusiast across the room, F. lindneri springs back to life, ready to engage and, unfortunately for beer lovers, spoil the brew.

Spoilage Capability

The spoilage capability of F. lindneri is akin to a supervillain’s plot to take over the world, or at least the world of beers. This bacterium, when not playing dead, is quite the alchemist, turning the refreshing, hoppy sanctuary of a beer into a sour, vinegary wasteland. It produces high levels of lactic acid, acetic acid, and other party-pooping metabolites that can turn a beloved lager into something that tastes more like it should be dressing a salad. This microbial mischief is not just a theoretical concern but a practical headache for brewers and beer enthusiasts alike, highlighting the importance of keeping an eye on these microscopic party poopers.

Taxonomy and Classification

In the ever-evolving party of microbial taxonomy, Fructilactobacillus lindneri has found its groove within the Fructilactobacillus genus. This genus, part of the lactic acid bacteria family, was recently reclassified, showing that even bacteria have to keep up with the times. The reclassification is based on whole-genome sequences, which is the microbial equivalent of checking one’s ancestry through a DNA test. This move has placed F. lindneri among other sugar-loving, acid-producing bacteria that are known for their roles in fermentation and, occasionally, food spoilage. It’s a reminder that in the microbial world, knowing your relatives can be as complex as a human family reunion, with all the drama and surprises that come with it.

In summary, Fructilactobacillus lindneri is a fascinating character in the microbial drama of beer brewing. Its ability to hide in plain sight and then spring back to action, its potential to turn a refreshing beer sour, and its place in the microbial family tree all make it a noteworthy study subject. For brewers, understanding this bacterium is crucial for quality control, while for microbiologists, it’s another intriguing puzzle piece in the complex ecosystem of fermentation.

Sphingobium limneticum: A Scientific and Humoristic Overview

The Scientific Side

*Sphingobium limneticum* is a fascinating character in the microbial world, making its home in the serene environments of alpine and pre-alpine lakes. This bacterium, a chemo-organoheterotroph, thrives in freshwater ecosystems, showcasing its adaptability and resilience. It’s a member of the *Sphingomonadaceae* family, known for its gram-negative, rod-shaped, motile cells that form yellow, circular, convex colonies on various agar media.

Optimally growing at temperatures between 10 and 40°C (with a sweet spot at 28°C) and pH values from 5 to 10 (preferring a neutral pH 7), *S. limneticum* is not just any microbe; it’s a testament to life’s ability to flourish in diverse conditions. Its cellular machinery includes Q-10 as the dominant quinone, sphingoglycolipids, and 2-hydroxymyristic acid, elements that hint at its complex biochemistry and ecological roles.

The Humoristic Twist

Imagine if *Sphingobium limneticum* had a dating profile. It would probably say: “Thriving single bacterium, loves long swims in alpine lakes. Enjoys a pH-balanced lifestyle and warm summers at 28°C. Looking for a colony to form beautiful, yellow, convex relationships. Must appreciate the finer things in life, like Q-10 and sphingoglycolipids.”

But don’t let its preference for pristine waters fool you; *S. limneticum* is more than just a pretty face in the microbial community. It’s part of the *Sphingomonadaceae* family, a group known for breaking down complex organic compounds. So, it’s not just lounging around in those alpine lakes; it’s cleaning them up, one aromatic compound at a time.

In Conclusion

*Sphingobium limneticum* is a remarkable microbe, showcasing the incredible adaptability and ecological importance of bacteria in freshwater ecosystems. Its ability to thrive in a range of conditions, combined with its biochemical prowess, makes it a key player in its habitat. And while it might not actually be on the microbial dating scene, its role in nature is undoubtedly as crucial as it is fascinating. So, the next time you’re enjoying the serene beauty of an alpine lake, remember that *Sphingobium limneticum* might be silently working below the surface, keeping the waters clean and balanced.

Pigmentiphaga kullae

The Azo-Dye Assassin and Party Animal of the Microbial World

Imagine a world where bacteria are the unsung heroes, quietly working behind the scenes to clean up our messes. Enter *Pigmentiphaga kullae*, a bacterium so cool, it doesn’t just survive in the harsh, color-splashed wastelands of dye wastewater; it thrives by eating the very thing that makes these places inhospitable: azo dyes. This microbe is like the eco-friendly cleaner of the bacterial world, taking what we consider waste and turning it into an all-you-can-eat buffet.

But *P. kullae* isn’t just about keeping things clean. It’s also about living life to the fullest. Found in diverse environments, from the dye-infested waters to the serene soils, it’s the social butterfly of the microbial realm. It’s as if *P. kullae* is saying, “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses of azo dyes yearning to be broken down, and I will give you cleanliness.”

And let’s not forget its genome, a treasure trove of potential, with a single circular chromosome packed with over 5,300 predicted coding sequences. This isn’t just any genome; it’s a blueprint for survival and versatility. With genes for nonribosomal peptide synthetase and bacteriocin biosynthesis, but lacking clusters for β-lactones found in other *Pigmentiphaga* genomes, *P. kullae* is like the MacGyver of bacteria, ready to tackle any challenge with a paperclip and a piece of gum.

But what truly sets *P. kullae* apart is its ability to decolorize azo dyes aerobically. In a world where synthetic dyes pollute our waters, *P. kullae* steps up as the eco-warrior, breaking down these complex molecules and reducing environmental damage. It’s not just cleaning up; it’s performing alchemy, transforming pollutants into harmless substances.

So, the next time you see a brightly colored piece of fabric, remember the unseen heroes like *Pigmentiphaga kullae*. They’re not just surviving in a world of waste; they’re thriving, partying, and making the world a cleaner place, one azo dye at a time. *P. kullae*: not all heroes wear capes; some just have a really cool genome and an appetite for pollution.

Clostridium sulfidigenes

Clostridium sulfidigenes, a bacterium that could be the life of the microbial party, is a bit of a metalhead, showing a surprising fondness for heavy metals like cadmium and lead. This tiny organism, which could be mistaken for a minuscule alchemist, is not only resistant to these toxic substances but also has a penchant for reducing thiosulfate and sulfur, making it a bit of a chemical whiz in the microbial world.

While it’s not the type to make headlines for cellulose degradation like some of its bacterial brethren, C. sulfidigenes has carved out a niche for itself in the hot spring scene, where it’s been found living the high life in balmy waters. It’s a Gram-positive, strictly anaerobic, endospore-forming bacterium that doesn’t mind the heat, which suggests it knows how to handle a bit of thermal stress while it’s busy breaking down substances that would have most other organisms waving the white flag.

In the scientific community, C. sulfidigenes has gained a bit of a reputation as a multidrug-resistant organism, which means it’s not easily intimidated by antibiotics that would send other bacteria packing. This resilience, coupled with its metal resistance and chemical prowess, makes it an intriguing subject for researchers who are keen to understand how such a microscopic entity can stand up to environments and substances that are far from welcoming.

Staphylococcus shinii

Staphylococcus shinii is a newly proposed species of coagulase-negative staphylococci, isolated from fresh produce, particularly chives. It has been characterized for its antibiotic resistance genes and is of interest in the context of sulfur metabolism, which plays a significant role in the global sulfur cycle.
The bacterium was named in honor of Prof. Hyun-Kil Shin in recognition of his outstanding work in the area of food microbiology.
This species may possess antibiotic resistance genes and has been associated with nosocomial infections. It’s important to note that Staphylococcus shinii should not be confused with other staphylococci species, such as Staphylococcus epidermidis, or individuals like Shinji Okazaki, a Japanese footballer.

Listeria aquatica

Listeria aquatica was first described in 2014 together with L. floridensis, L. cornellensis, L. riparia and L. grandensis by M. Wiedmann et. al.
It is a Gram-positive, facultatively anaerobic, nonmotile, non-spore-forming rod-shaped bacterium. Interestingly, it is not pathogenic and belongs to the so called Listeria sensu lato species. The species was discovered in running water in Florida. The name “aquatica” comes from Latin, meaning “found in water, aquatic”.

One unique characteristic of Listeria aquatica is that it is the only member of the genus Listeria that can ferment maltose. It is also the only nonmotile Listeria that can ferment D-tagatose.
The type strain of Listeria aquatica is BEI NR-42633; DSM 26686; FSL S10-1188; LMG 28120.

Moreover, three sensu lato species (L. fleischmannii, L. floridensis, and L. aquatica) are unable to grow at low temperatures, one of the major characteristics of the genus Listeria. According to their phylogenetic and phenotypic characteristics a reclassification of L. fleischmannii, L. aquatica, and L. floridensis into the novelle genus Mesolisteria (referring to the mesophillic nature of species within this genus) is proposed.

It is crucial to monitor the presence of Listeria species in aquatic environments, including L. aquatica, as a potential indicator organism for the presence of L. monocytogenes and other pathogenic Listeria species.