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Delftia tsuruhatensis: A Microbe with Macro Impact

Exploring the multifaceted biology and emerging applications of a remarkable Gram-negative bacterium.

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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.

Taxonomic Rank Classification
Domain Bacteria
Kingdom Pseudomonadati
Phylum Pseudomonadota
Class Betaproteobacteria
Order Burkholderiales
Family Comamonadaceae
Genus Delftia
Species D. tsuruhatensis

The binomial name, Delftia tsuruhatensis, was formally established by Shigematsu et al. in 2003 as a new species (sp. nov.).[3]

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]

  • ATCC BAA-554
  • DSM 17581
  • IFO 16741
  • NBRC 16741
  • T7

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References

References

A full list of references for this article are available at the Delftia tsuruhatensis Wikipedia page

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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.

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