Delftia tsuruhatensis: A Microbe with Macro Impact
Exploring the multifaceted biology and emerging applications of a remarkable Gram-negative bacterium.
Discover 👇 Innovations 💡Dive in with Flashcard Learning!
🎮 Play the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge Game🎮
Overview
A Distinctive Bacterium
Delftia tsuruhatensis is a fascinating Gram-negative bacterium, characterized by its rod-shaped morphology and its positive reactions to both catalase and oxidase tests. This motile microorganism belongs to the family Comamonadaceae, a group known for its metabolic versatility. It was initially identified and isolated in 2003 from an industrial wastewater treatment plant in Japan, highlighting its resilience and adaptability in diverse environments.[3]
Clinical Relevance
While often found in environmental settings, D. tsuruhatensis has emerged as an opportunistic pathogen, meaning it can cause infections under certain conditions, particularly in individuals with compromised immune systems or those in healthcare settings. All documented human infections associated with this bacterium have been healthcare-associated, emphasizing its role in nosocomial environments.[4][5][6] Understanding its pathogenic potential is crucial for infection control and patient management.
Biology
Morphology and Structure
The individual cells of D. tsuruhatensis are typically slightly curved, short rods. They are observed either singly or in pairs, reflecting their characteristic growth pattern. These cells exhibit precise dimensions, measuring approximately 0.7 to 1.2 micrometers (µm) in width and 2.4 to 4.0 µm in length.[3] This specific morphology is a key identifier for microscopic analysis.
Metabolic Versatility
Beyond its structural characteristics, D. tsuruhatensis demonstrates remarkable metabolic capabilities, particularly in the degradation of various organic compounds. It is known for its ability to break down phenolic compounds[7] and aniline,[8] both of which are common environmental pollutants found in soil and water. This metabolic prowess suggests its potential utility in bioremediation strategies, offering a biological solution to environmental contamination.
Interactions
Quorum Sensing Inhibition
A significant aspect of D. tsuruhatensis's biology is its capacity to inhibit quorum sensing (QS). Quorum sensing is a cell-to-cell communication mechanism used by bacteria to coordinate gene expression based on population density, often regulating virulence factors and biofilm formation. By interfering with QS, D. tsuruhatensis can disrupt these coordinated bacterial behaviors, offering a promising avenue for developing novel therapeutic drugs against antibiotic-resistant bacteria.[9]
Biofilm Suppression
In conjunction with its quorum sensing inhibition, D. tsuruhatensis actively suppresses biofilm formation. Biofilms are complex communities of microorganisms encased in an extracellular matrix, providing protection against antibiotics and host immune responses. Specifically, D. tsuruhatensis has been shown to inhibit biofilm formation against notorious pathogens such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa.[9][10] This suppression significantly enhances the susceptibility of P. aeruginosa to conventional antibiotics, increasing their effectiveness by two to three times.[11]
Applications
Malaria Control Potential
In a groundbreaking discovery published in Science in 2023, researchers unveiled a novel application for D. tsuruhatensis in the fight against malaria. This bacterium prevents the development of the malaria parasite, Plasmodium, within mosquitoes by secreting a compound called harmane.[12] Mosquitoes naturally infected with D. tsuruhatensis exhibited a remarkable 75% reduction in Plasmodium oocysts, the parasitic stage that develops in the mosquito gut. Furthermore, the overall infection rates in these mosquitoes were reduced to one-third compared to uninfected counterparts.[13][14][15] This finding positions D. tsuruhatensis as a promising candidate for innovative biological control strategies against malaria.
Taxonomy
Scientific Classification
The systematic classification of Delftia tsuruhatensis places it within a well-defined hierarchy, reflecting its evolutionary relationships and distinct biological characteristics.
Type Strains
In microbiology, a type strain serves as the reference specimen for a species, ensuring consistency and accuracy in scientific research and identification. For Delftia tsuruhatensis, several recognized type strains are maintained in various culture collections globally, facilitating its study and characterization.[2]
Teacher's Corner
Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

Click here to open the "Delftia Tsuruhatensis" Wiki2Web Studio curriculum kit
Use the free Wiki2web Studio to generate printable flashcards, worksheets, exams, and export your materials as a web page or an interactive game.
True or False?
Test Your Knowledge!
Gamer's Corner
Are you ready for the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge?

Unlock the mystery image and prove your knowledge by earning trophies. This simple game is addictively fun and is a great way to learn!
Play now
References
References
Feedback & Support
To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.
Disclaimer
Important Notice
This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.
This is not professional scientific or medical advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional microbiological research, environmental science consultation, or medical diagnosis and treatment. Always refer to peer-reviewed scientific literature, official health guidelines, and consult with qualified professionals for specific research, environmental, or health-related inquiries. Never disregard professional advice because of something you have read on this website.
The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.