This platform represents an effort to synchronize phenotypic information for microbes. We have applied and collected various models, primarily Large Language Model (LLM) based, to predict phenotypes and compare these predictions to high-quality phenotypes documented in scientific literature or phenotyping studies. For each microbe, we've generated a "card" page that collects this information and illustrates how the predictions overlap with ground truth. Additionally, we provide model performance estimates for widely used public LLM models based on these high-quality data. Use the search functionality below to explore these microbe cards and compare predictions with documented phenotypes.
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Clostridium perfringens is a Gram-positive, anaerobic bacterium known for its role in food poisoning and gas gangrene. This organism is particularly interesting due to its ability to produce a variety of potent toxins, including alpha-toxin, which is a phospholipase that can cause significant tissue damage and is a key factor in the pathogenesis of gas gangrene. The presence of these toxins makes C. perfringens a subject of extensive research in both medical and food safety fields. One of the unique aspects of C. perfringens is its rapid growth rate, which can lead to the production of large quantities of toxins in a short period. This characteristic is particularly concerning in foodborne illness outbreaks, where improper food handling can lead to the proliferation of the bacterium and subsequent toxin production. The organism is also classified into five types (A, B, C, D, and E) based on the toxins produced, with type A being the most common in human infections. In addition to its pathogenic potential, C. perfringens is also valuable in biotechnological applications. Its ability to ferment a wide range of carbohydrates makes it a candidate for studies in biofuel production and waste management. Researchers are exploring its metabolic pathways to harness its capabilities for converting biomass into useful products. Furthermore, the study of C. perfringens contributes to our understanding of anaerobic metabolism and the ecological roles of anaerobes in various environments, including the human gut. This bacterium serves as a model organism for investigating the mechanisms of toxin production and the interactions between pathogenic bacteria and host tissues, making it a significant focus in microbiological research.
| Phenotype | Status |
|---|---|
| Motility | LLM-based |
| Gram staining | Literature-based |
| Aerophilicity | Literature-based |
| Extreme environment tole… | Literature-based |
| Biofilm formation | Literature-based |
| Animal pathogenicity | Literature-based |
| Biosafety level | Literature-based |
| Health association | LLM-based |
| Host association | Literature-based |
| Plant pathogenicity | Literature-based |
| Spore formation | Literature-based |
| Hemolysis | LLM-based |
| Cell shape | Literature-based |