Bacteria Genomes - PSEUDOMONAS AERUGINOSA

Pseudomonas aeruginosa are motile, mesophilic, Gram-negative rod bacterium that are noted for their environmental versatility. P. aeruginosa is increasingly recognised as a nosocomial pathogen, targetting immunocompromised individuals, cancer and burn victims, and individuals with in-dwelling catheters or using respirators. It is also the leading cause in mortality and morbidity for cystic fibrosis patients.

Unlike many environmental bacteria, P. aeruginosa has the ability to adapt to and thrive in many ecological niches, from water and soil to plant and animal tissues. The bacterium is capable of utilising a wide range of organic compounds as food sources, thus giving it an exceptional ability to colonise where nutrients are limited.

P. aeruginosa can produce a number of toxic proteins which not only cause extensive tissue damage, but also interfere with the human immune system's defense mechanisms. These proteins range from potent toxins that enter and kill host cells at or near the site of colonisation to degradative enzymes that permanently disrupt the cell membranes and connective tissues in various organs.

References:

http://www.pseudomonas.com/
http://jura.ebi.ac.uk:8765/ext-genequiz//genomes/paer0011/index.html
Nature 406 (6799):959-64 (2000)