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Yu S, Ding X, Hua K, Zhu H, Zhang Q, Song X, Xie X, Huang R, Xu Y, Zhang L, Yi Q, Zhao Y. Systematic investigation of the emerging pathogen of Tsukamurella species in a Chinese tertiary teaching hospital. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0164423. [PMID: 37874148 PMCID: PMC10715089 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.01644-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Tsukamurella species have been clinically regarded as rare but emerging opportunistic pathogens causing various infections in humans. Tsukamurella pneumonia has often been misdiagnosed as pulmonary tuberculosis due to its clinical presentation resembling tuberculosis-like syndromes. Tsukamurella species have also been confused in the laboratory with other phylogenetic bacteria, such as Gordonia. This study aimed to investigate the clinical, microbiological, and molecular characteristics; species distribution; and antimicrobial susceptibility of Tsukamurella species. Immunodeficiency and chronic pulmonary disease appeared to be risk factors for Tsukamurella pneumonia, and the presence of bronchiectasis and pulmonary nodules on imaging was highly correlated with this infection. The study confirmed that groEL (heat shock protein 60) and secA (the secretion ATPase) genes are reliable for identifying Tsukamurella species. Additionally, the ssrA (stable small RNA) gene showed promise as a tool for discriminating between different Tsukamurella species with the shortest sequence length. In terms of antimicrobial susceptibility, quinolones, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, amikacin, minocycline, linezolid, and tigecycline demonstrated potent in vitro activity against Tsukamurella isolates in our study. The study also proposed a resistance mechanism involving a substitution (S91R) within the quinolone-resistance-determining region of the gyrA gene, which confers resistance to levofloxacin and ciprofloxacin. Furthermore, we found that disk diffusion testing is not suitable for testing the susceptibilities of Tsukamurella isolates to ciprofloxacin, imipenem, and minocycline. In conclusion, our systematic investigation may contribute to a better understanding of this rare pathogen. Tsukamurella species are rare but emerging human pathogens that share remarkable similarities with other mycolic acid-containing genera of the order Actinomycetales, especially Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Consequently, misdiagnosis and therapeutic failures can occur in clinical settings. Despite the significance of accurate identification, antimicrobial susceptibility, and understanding the resistance mechanism of this important genus, our knowledge in these areas remains fragmentary and incomplete. In this study, we aimed to address these gaps by investigating promising identification methods, the antimicrobial susceptibility patterns, and a novel quinolone resistance mechanism in Tsukamurella species, utilizing a collection of clinical isolates. The findings of our study will contribute to improve diagnosis and successful management of infections caused by Tsukamurella species, as well as establishing well-defined performance and interpretive criteria for antimicrobial susceptibility testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuying Yu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Complex, Severe, and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Mechanisms Research and Precision Diagnosis of Invasive Fungal Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoqi Ding
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Complex, Severe, and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Mechanisms Research and Precision Diagnosis of Invasive Fungal Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Kexin Hua
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Complex, Severe, and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Mechanisms Research and Precision Diagnosis of Invasive Fungal Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Huiqing Zhu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Complex, Severe, and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Mechanisms Research and Precision Diagnosis of Invasive Fungal Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Qingshui Zhang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Zhangjiajie People’s Hospital, Zhangjiajie, China
| | - Xinuo Song
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Complex, Severe, and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Mechanisms Research and Precision Diagnosis of Invasive Fungal Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Xiuli Xie
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Complex, Severe, and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Mechanisms Research and Precision Diagnosis of Invasive Fungal Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Rong Huang
- Department of Respiratory, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yingchun Xu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Complex, Severe, and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Mechanisms Research and Precision Diagnosis of Invasive Fungal Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Li Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Complex, Severe, and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Mechanisms Research and Precision Diagnosis of Invasive Fungal Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Qiaolian Yi
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Complex, Severe, and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Mechanisms Research and Precision Diagnosis of Invasive Fungal Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Ying Zhao
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Complex, Severe, and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Mechanisms Research and Precision Diagnosis of Invasive Fungal Diseases, Beijing, China
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Bruno V, Tjon J, Lin S, Groves H, Kazmi K, Zappitelli M, Harvey E. Peritoneal dialysis-related peritonitis caused by Gordonia bronchialis: first pediatric report. Pediatr Nephrol 2022; 37:217-220. [PMID: 34633526 PMCID: PMC8503381 DOI: 10.1007/s00467-021-05313-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2021] [Revised: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Gordonia species, aerobic, weakly acid-fast, Gram-positive bacilli, are a rare cause of peritonitis in patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis (PD). We report the first pediatric case of PD-related peritonitis caused by Gordonia bronchialis. CASE PRESENTATION A 13-year-old girl with chronic kidney disease (CKD) stage 5D, on continuous cycling PD (CCPD) for 8 years, presented with cloudy PD effluent, with no abdominal discomfort or fever. Intra-peritoneal (IP) loading doses of vancomycin and ceftazidime were started at home after obtaining a PD effluent sample, which showed WBC 2,340 × 10 /L (59% neutrophils) and Gram-positive bacilli. On admission, she was clinically well and afebrile, with no history of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection, so vancomycin was discontinued, and IP ceftazidime and cefazolin were started, following a loading dose of intravenous cefazolin. Gordonia species grew after 5 days of incubation and later identified as Gordonia bronchialis. IP vancomycin was restarted as monotherapy, empirically for a total of 3 weeks therapy. A 2-week course of oral ciprofloxacin was added, based on susceptibility testing. PD catheter replacement was advised due to the risk of recurrence but was refused. A relapse occurred 16 days after discontinuing antibiotics, successfully treated with a 2-week course of IP ceftazidime and vancomycin. The PD catheter was removed and hemodialysis initiated. She received a further 2-week course of oral ciprofloxacin and amoxicillin-clavulanate post PD catheter removal. CONCLUSIONS Gordonia bronchialis is an emerging pathogen in PD peritonitis and appears to be associated with a high risk of relapse. PD catheter replacement is strongly suggested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Bruno
- Division of Nephrology, The Hospital for Sick Children, 555 University Avenue, Toronto, ON, M5G 1X8, Canada. .,Department of Paediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
| | - James Tjon
- Department of Pharmacy, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON Canada
| | - Sandy Lin
- Department of Nursing, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON Canada
| | - Helen Groves
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON Canada ,Division of Infectious Diseases, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON Canada
| | - Kescha Kazmi
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON Canada ,Division of Infectious Diseases, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON Canada
| | - Michael Zappitelli
- Division of Nephrology, The Hospital for Sick Children, 555 University Avenue, Toronto, ON M5G 1X8 Canada ,Department of Paediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON Canada
| | - Elizabeth Harvey
- Division of Nephrology, The Hospital for Sick Children, 555 University Avenue, Toronto, ON M5G 1X8 Canada ,Department of Paediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON Canada
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Choi R, Strnad L, Flaxel CJ, Lauer AK, Suhler EB. Gordonia bronchialis–Associated Endophthalmitis, Oregon, USA. Emerg Infect Dis 2019. [DOI: 10.3201/eid2505.18-0340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
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Choi R, Strnad L, Flaxel CJ, Lauer AK, Suhler EB. Gordonia bronchialis-Associated Endophthalmitis, Oregon, USA. Emerg Infect Dis 2019; 25:1017-1019. [PMID: 31002051 PMCID: PMC6478222 DOI: 10.3201/eid2505.180340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Gordonia bronchialis is an aerobic actinomycetes that rarely causes infections in humans. Few reports describe Gordonia spp. causing eye-related infections. We report a case of chronic infectious endophthalmitis in Oregon, USA, associated with infection by G. bronchialis.
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Mills JG, Weinstein P, Gellie NJC, Weyrich LS, Lowe AJ, Breed MF. Urban habitat restoration provides a human health benefit through microbiome rewilding: the Microbiome Rewilding Hypothesis. Restor Ecol 2017. [DOI: 10.1111/rec.12610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Jacob G. Mills
- School of Biological Sciences and the Environment Institute University of Adelaide Adelaide SA 5005 Australia
| | - Philip Weinstein
- School of Biological Sciences and the Environment Institute University of Adelaide Adelaide SA 5005 Australia
| | - Nicholas J. C. Gellie
- School of Biological Sciences and the Environment Institute University of Adelaide Adelaide SA 5005 Australia
| | - Laura S. Weyrich
- School of Biological Sciences and the Australian Centre for Ancient DNA University of Adelaide Adelaide SA 5005 Australia
| | - Andrew J. Lowe
- School of Biological Sciences and the Environment Institute University of Adelaide Adelaide SA 5005 Australia
| | - Martin F. Breed
- School of Biological Sciences and the Environment Institute University of Adelaide Adelaide SA 5005 Australia
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Thomas E, Lejeune F, Caillon J, Wiertlewski S, Crémet L. [First case report of Gordonia aichiensis bacteremia]. Med Mal Infect 2017; 47:508-509. [PMID: 28943173 DOI: 10.1016/j.medmal.2017.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2017] [Revised: 07/19/2017] [Accepted: 07/26/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- E Thomas
- Service de bactériologie-hygiène, CHU de Nantes, 9, quai Moncousu, 44093 Nantes cedex 1, France.
| | - F Lejeune
- Service de neurologie, CHU de Nantes, boulevard Jacques-Monod, Saint-Herblain, 44093 Nantes cedex 1, France
| | - J Caillon
- Service de bactériologie-hygiène, CHU de Nantes, 9, quai Moncousu, 44093 Nantes cedex 1, France
| | - S Wiertlewski
- Service de neurologie, CHU de Nantes, boulevard Jacques-Monod, Saint-Herblain, 44093 Nantes cedex 1, France
| | - L Crémet
- Service de bactériologie-hygiène, CHU de Nantes, 9, quai Moncousu, 44093 Nantes cedex 1, France
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Zampella JG, Kwatra SG, Kazi N, Aguh C. Madura foot caused by Gordonia terrae misdiagnosed as Nocardia. Australas J Dermatol 2016; 58:e129-e131. [PMID: 27270783 DOI: 10.1111/ajd.12516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2016] [Accepted: 05/01/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Actinomycetomas are soft tissue bacterial infections that are in the differential for unusual masses of the extremities. Typical infectious agents include Actinomyces and Nocardia and are treated with long-term antibiotics. We report a rare case of Gordonia actinomycetoma that was misdiagnosed as Nocardia and subsequently required surgical excision in addition to antibiotic therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- John G Zampella
- Department of Dermatology, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Shawn G Kwatra
- Department of Dermatology, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Najiya Kazi
- Department of Dermatology, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Crystal Aguh
- Department of Dermatology, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD, USA
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James N, Gilman M, Duncan R, Gray A. A novel cause of community-acquired pneumonia in a young immunocompetent host. CLINICAL RESPIRATORY JOURNAL 2015; 10:555-8. [PMID: 25524175 DOI: 10.1111/crj.12253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2014] [Revised: 10/14/2014] [Accepted: 12/07/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Diffuse pulmonary infiltrates represent a common problem encountered by pulmonologists. The differential diagnosis is extensive and includes infectious, inflammatory, environmental and malignant conditions. Appropriate evaluation, aside from a thorough history and physical examination, includes serologic, radiographic and procedural elements. We describe a case of a healthy male with diffuse pulmonary infiltrates. Work up revealed a novel infectious etiology. Although this particular microorganism has been described to cause native valve endocarditis, recurrent breast abscesses, osteomyelitis and bacteremia, it has to date not been described as a cause for community acquired pneumonia in immunocompetent hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas James
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Lahey Hospital and Medical Center, Burlington, MA, USA.
| | - Matthew Gilman
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Lahey Hospital and Medical Center, Burlington, MA, USA
| | - Robert Duncan
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Lahey Hospital and Medical Center, Burlington, MA, USA
| | - Anthony Gray
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Lahey Hospital and Medical Center, Burlington, MA, USA
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Ochi F, Tauchi H, Moritani K, Miyamoto H, Ohkusu K, Ishii E. Tsukamurella inchonensis infection in a child with Hodgkin's lymphoma. Pediatr Int 2015; 57:e7-10. [PMID: 25711272 DOI: 10.1111/ped.12472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2014] [Revised: 07/16/2014] [Accepted: 07/29/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Tsukamurella spp. infection is a rare but important cause of bacteremia in immunocompromised patients. The organism is an aerobic, Gram-positive, weakly acid-fast bacillus that is difficult to differentiate from other aerobic Actinomycetales by standard laboratory methods. Here, we report on the case of a 14-year-old patient with Hodgkin's lymphoma who, after intensive chemotherapy, developed Tsukamurella inchonensis bacteremia, which was identified on the peripherally inserted central venous catheter (PICC) using 16S rRNA sequencing analysis. The bacteremia was successfully controlled with antimicrobial therapy and subsequent removal of the PICC. This is the first report of bacteremia by Tsukamurella inchonensis in immunocompromised children. Careful observation and prompt analysis of opportunistic infection, including Tsukamurella spp., is very important in immunocompromised children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fumihiro Ochi
- Department of Pediatrics, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Ehime, Japan
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Nicodemo A, Odongo F, Doi A, Sampaio J. Gordonia terraekidney graft abscess in a renal transplant patient. Transpl Infect Dis 2014; 16:681-6. [DOI: 10.1111/tid.12252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2014] [Revised: 02/24/2014] [Accepted: 03/13/2014] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- A.C. Nicodemo
- Department of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases; University of São Paulo Medical School; São Paulo Brazil
| | - F.C.A. Odongo
- Department of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases; University of São Paulo Medical School; São Paulo Brazil
| | - A.M. Doi
- Microbiology Laboratory; Clinics Hospital; University of São Paulo Medical School; São Paulo Brazil
| | - J.L.M. Sampaio
- Department of Clinical Analysis; School of Pharmacy; University of São Paulo; São Paulo Brazil
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Ramanan P, Deziel PJ, Wengenack NL. Gordonia bacteremia. J Clin Microbiol 2013; 51:3443-7. [PMID: 23884999 PMCID: PMC3811652 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.01449-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2013] [Accepted: 07/18/2013] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Gordonia species are ubiquitous aerobic actinomycetes that rarely cause infection in humans. We report the second known case of Gordonia otitidis catheter-related bacteremia in an immunocompromised patient and review four additional cases of Gordonia bacteremia seen at our institution over the past 14 years. In addition, the existing literature on Gordonia infections is reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Nancy L. Wengenack
- Division of Clinical Microbiology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
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12
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Li X, Xing J, Li B, Wang P, Liu J. Use of tuf as a target for sequence-based identification of Gram-positive cocci of the genus Enterococcus, Streptococcus, coagulase-negative Staphylococcus, and Lactococcus. Ann Clin Microbiol Antimicrob 2012. [PMID: 23181410 PMCID: PMC3533577 DOI: 10.1186/1476-0711-11-31] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Accurate identification of isolates belonging to genus Enterococcus, Streptococcus, coagulase-negative Staphylococcus, and Lactococcus at the species level is necessary to provide a better understanding of their pathogenic potential, to aid in making clinical decisions, and to conduct epidemiologic investigations,especially when large blind samples must be analyzed. It is useful to simultaneously identify species in different genera using a single primer pair. Methods We developed a primer pair based on the tuf gene (encoding elongation factor) sequence to identify 56 Gram-positive cocci isolates. Results The target sequences were amplified from all 56 samples. The sequencing results and the phylogenetic tree derived from the partial tuf gene sequences identified the isolates as three enterococcal species, two lactococcal species, two staphylococcal species, and six streptococcal species, as well as eight isolates that were novel species of the genus Streptococcus. Partial gene sequence analysis of the sodA, dnaK, and 16S RNA genes confirmed the results obtained by tuf gene sequencing. Conclusion Based on the uniform amplification of the tuf gene from all samples and the ability to identify all isolates at both the genus and species levels, we conclude that the primer pair developed in this research provides a powerful tool for identifying these organisms in clinical laboratories where large blind samples are used.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuerui Li
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Grazing Animal Diseases of the Ministry of Agriculture, China
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Assignment of recA reference sequence types for enhanced identification of the Burkholderia cepacia complex. Pathology 2012; 44:373-375. [PMID: 28193343 DOI: 10.1097/pat.0b013e328353e8b9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
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Drzyzga O. The strengths and weaknesses of Gordonia: a review of an emerging genus with increasing biotechnological potential. Crit Rev Microbiol 2012; 38:300-16. [PMID: 22551505 DOI: 10.3109/1040841x.2012.668134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
This review about the genus Gordonia provides a current overview of recent research on a young genus that was introduced in the year 1997 ( Stackebrandt et al., 1997 ). This emerging genus has attracted increasing environmental, industrial, biotechnological and medical interest during the last few years, in particular due to the capabilities of its members to degrade, transform, and synthesize organic compounds as well as to the pathogenic effects that have been described in many case studies. The number of publications about Gordonia has increased significantly after the year 2004 (the year of the first Gordonia review published by Arenskötter et al.) describing 13 new validly published species (type strains), many newly described physiological and metabolic capabilities, new patent applications and many new case reports of bacterial infections. Members of the genus Gordonia are widely distributed in nature and it is therefore important to unravel the species richness and metabolic potential of gordoniae in future studies to demonstrate their environmental impact especially on the degradation of persistent organic compounds and their ecological participation in the carbon cycle of organic material in soil and water. This review summarizes mainly the current state of importance and potential of the members of this genus for the environmental and biotechnological industry ("the strengthsâ) and briefly its pathogenic impact to humans ("the weaknessesâ).
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver Drzyzga
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology I, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain.
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