Mycobacterium kubicae

General Information

Mycobacterium kubicae is a species of nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) that has garnered attention due to its unique characteristics and potential implications in clinical settings. This organism was first described in 2004 and named in honor of the renowned microbiologist Dr. Elizabeth Kubica. One of the most notable features of M. kubicae is its slow growth rate, which is typical of many mycobacteria but can complicate its identification and treatment in clinical laboratories. M. kubicae is primarily of interest due to its association with human infections, particularly in immunocompromised individuals. It has been isolated from various clinical specimens, including respiratory samples, which suggests its potential role in pulmonary diseases. However, its exact pathogenicity and prevalence in human infections are still under investigation, making it a subject of ongoing research. From a research perspective, M. kubicae is valuable for studying the diversity and evolution of mycobacteria. Its genetic and phenotypic characteristics provide insights into the broader genus Mycobacterium, which includes both pathogenic species like Mycobacterium tuberculosis and environmental species. Understanding the genetic makeup of M. kubicae can help elucidate the mechanisms of mycobacterial pathogenicity and resistance, contributing to the development of new diagnostic tools and treatments. In summary, Mycobacterium kubicae stands out due to its clinical relevance, slow growth, and potential to enhance our understanding of mycobacterial biology. Its study is crucial for improving the management of mycobacterial infections and advancing microbiological research.

Mycobacterium kubicae is a species of the genus Mycobacterium that has garnered interest due to its unique ecological niche and potential implications in human health. This organism is particularly notable for its ability to thrive in diverse environments, including soil and water, which suggests a significant role in the ecosystem as a decomposer and nutrient recycler. Its resilience in various conditions makes it a valuable subject for studies on microbial survival and adaptation. One of the most intriguing aspects of M. kubicae is its genetic makeup, which has been shown to exhibit a high degree of genetic diversity. This diversity can provide insights into the evolutionary mechanisms of mycobacteria and their adaptation strategies. Research into its genome may reveal novel metabolic pathways or resistance mechanisms that could be applicable in biotechnology or medicine. Furthermore, M. kubicae has been associated with certain clinical cases, although it is not as widely recognized as other mycobacterial species. Its potential pathogenicity raises questions about its role in human infections, particularly in immunocompromised individuals. Understanding the pathogenic potential of M. kubicae could lead to better diagnostic methods and treatment options for mycobacterial infections. In summary, Mycobacterium kubicae stands out due to its ecological versatility, genetic diversity, and potential implications for human health, making it a significant organism for ongoing research in microbiology and infectious diseases.

Taxonomy

Superkingdom: Bacteria

Phylum: Actinomycetota

Class: Actinomycetes

Order: Mycobacteriales

Family: Mycobacteriaceae

Genus: Mycobacterium

Species: Mycobacterium kubicae

NCBI ID

120959

Genome Info

FTP Path:
ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/genomes/all/GCA/015/689/175/GCA_015689175.1_ASM1568917v1

File for sequence-based predictions:
GCA_015689175.1_ASM1568917v1_genomic.fasta

Descriptions

Clinical Implications and Relevance

Source: gpt-4o-mini-2024-07-18

The organism Mycobacterium kubicae is a member of the Mycobacterium genus, which includes several species known for their clinical significance. While M. kubicae is less commonly discussed than its more notorious relatives, such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis, it has been associated with certain clinical implications. Infections caused by M. kubicae are primarily opportunistic, often occurring in immunocompromised individuals, such as those with HIV/AIDS or those undergoing immunosuppressive therapy. The organism can lead to pulmonary infections and has been isolated from patients with nontuberculous mycobacterial infections (NTM). The pathogenicity of M. kubicae is linked to its ability to evade the immune response of the host. It possesses various mechanisms that allow it to survive within macrophages, including the inhibition of phagosome-lysosome fusion and the modulation of host immune signaling pathways. This ability to persist in the host can lead to chronic infections that are difficult to treat. In terms of antimicrobial resistance, M. kubicae has shown resistance to multiple first-line antitubercular drugs, which complicates treatment options. This resistance is a significant concern, as it limits the effectiveness of standard therapies and necessitates the use of more potent and potentially toxic second-line agents. While M. kubicae is not typically used in medical applications like probiotics or vaccines, understanding its role in human health and disease is crucial for developing effective treatment strategies. Continued research into the epidemiology and clinical management of infections caused by M. kubicae is essential, particularly as the incidence of NTM infections rises globally.

Habitat and Ecological Niches

Source: gpt-4o-mini-2024-07-18

Mycobacterium kubicae is a species of bacteria that is primarily associated with human-associated environments and natural ecosystems. This microorganism is often found in soil and water environments, where it plays a significant role in the cycling of nutrients and organic matter. Its presence in these biomes is indicative of its ability to adapt to various ecological niches, particularly in areas with high organic content and moisture levels. In urban settings, Mycobacterium kubicae can be found in contaminated water sources and wastewater treatment facilities, where it may contribute to the breakdown of organic pollutants. This bacterium is known for its resilience and ability to survive in harsh conditions, which allows it to thrive in environments that are often inhospitable to other microorganisms. In terms of ecological interactions, Mycobacterium kubicae may engage in symbiotic relationships with other microorganisms, aiding in the degradation of complex organic materials. Its role in nutrient cycling is crucial, as it helps to decompose organic matter, thus enriching the soil and promoting plant growth. Overall, Mycobacterium kubicae is an important player in both natural ecosystems and anthropogenic environments, contributing to ecological balance and the health of its surroundings.

Industrial Application

Source: gpt-4o-mini-2024-07-18

The microorganism Mycobacterium kubicae has shown potential in various industrial applications, particularly in the fields of biotechnology and waste management. This organism is known for its ability to degrade complex organic compounds, making it a candidate for biodegradation processes in contaminated environments. Its enzymatic activity can facilitate the breakdown of pollutants, thus contributing to effective waste treatment solutions. In the realm of biofuel production, Mycobacterium kubicae may play a role in the fermentation of biomass, converting organic materials into biofuels through fermentation processes. This capability is particularly valuable in the development of sustainable energy sources, as it can help in the conversion of agricultural waste into usable fuel. Additionally, there is potential for Mycobacterium kubicae in pharmaceutical development, especially in the production of bioactive compounds. The organism's unique metabolic pathways may lead to the discovery of novel antibiotics or other therapeutic agents, which can be harnessed through enzyme production and bioprocessing techniques. Overall, the applications of Mycobacterium kubicae in these industries highlight its significance in advancing environmental sustainability and health-related innovations.

Phenotypes and Predictions

The table shows the phenotypes and predictions. Cell colors indicate the class of the value. When literature-based data is available, a checkmark (✓) indicates a correct prediction, while an ✗ indicates an incorrect prediction.

Literature-based phenotypes: 9

LLM predicted phenotypes: 3

Phenotype	High-quality annotation	meta-llama/llama-3-70b-instruct:nitro	google/gemini-flash-1.5	google/palm-2-chat-bison-32k	google/gemini-pro-1.5	anthropic/claude-3.5-sonnet	google/gemini-pro	mistralai/mixtral-8x7b-instruct:nitro	openchat/openchat-7b	anthropic/claude-3-haiku:beta	openai/gpt-3.5-turbo-0125	openai/gpt-3.5-turbo-0125	openai/gpt-4	openai/gpt-4	microsoft/wizardlm-2-8x22b	microsoft/wizardlm-2-8x22b	openai/gpt-4o	openai/gpt-4o	mistralai/mistral-7b-instruct	mistralai/mistral-7b-instruct	google/gemma-7b-it	google/gemma-7b-it	perplexity/llama-3-sonar-small-32k-chat	perplexity/llama-3-sonar-small-32k-chat	microsoft/phi-3-mini-128k-instruct	microsoft/phi-3-mini-128k-instruct	meta-llama/llama-3-8b-instruct:nitro	meta-llama/llama-3-8b-instruct:nitro
Motility	FALSE	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓
Gram staining	gram stain positive	gram stain positive ✓	gram stain positive ✓	gram stain positive ✓	gram stain positive ✓	gram stain positive ✓	gram stain positive ✓	gram stain positive ✓	gram stain positive ✓	gram stain positive ✓	N/A	gram stain positive ✓	N/A	gram stain positive ✓	N/A	gram stain positive ✓	N/A	gram stain variable ✗	N/A	gram stain positive ✓	N/A	gram stain variable ✗	N/A	gram stain positive ✓	N/A	gram stain positive ✓	N/A	N/A
Aerophilicity	aerobic	aerobic ✓	aerobic ✓	aerobic ✓	aerobic ✓	aerobic ✓	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	aerobic ✓	aerobic ✓	aerobic ✓	aerobic ✓	aerobic ✓	aerobic ✓	aerobic ✓	aerobic ✓	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Extreme environment tolerance	N/A	false	true	false	true	false	false	true	false	true	false	false	false	false	false	false	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true
Biofilm formation	N/A	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	false	true	true	true	false	false	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true
Animal pathogenicity	TRUE	true ✓	false ✗	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	false ✗	true ✓	true ✓	false ✗	false ✗	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	false ✗	false ✗	false ✗	false ✗
Biosafety level	biosafety level 2	biosafety level 2 ✓	biosafety level 1 ✗	biosafety level 2 ✓	biosafety level 2 ✓	biosafety level 2 ✓	biosafety level 2 ✓	biosafety level 2 ✓	biosafety level 2 ✓	biosafety level 2 ✓	biosafety level 2 ✓	biosafety level 2 ✓	biosafety level 2 ✓	biosafety level 2 ✓	biosafety level 2 ✓	biosafety level 2 ✓	biosafety level 2 ✓	biosafety level 2 ✓	biosafety level 3 ✗	biosafety level 3 ✗	biosafety level 2 ✓	biosafety level 2 ✓	biosafety level 2 ✓	biosafety level 2 ✓	biosafety level 2 ✓	biosafety level 2 ✓	biosafety level 2 ✓	biosafety level 2 ✓
Health association	N/A	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	false	false	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	false	false	true	true
Host association	TRUE	true ✓	false ✗	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	false ✗	false ✗	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	false ✗	false ✗	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓
Plant pathogenicity	FALSE	false ✓	true ✗	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓
Spore formation	FALSE	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	true ✗	true ✗	false ✓	false ✓	true ✗	true ✗
Hemolysis	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Cell shape	bacillus	bacillus ✓	bacillus ✓	bacillus ✓	bacillus ✓	bacillus ✓	bacillus ✓	bacillus ✓	coccus ✗	bacillus ✓	bacillus ✓	bacillus ✓	bacillus ✓	bacillus ✓	bacillus ✓	bacillus ✓	bacillus ✓	bacillus ✓	bacillus ✓	bacillus ✓	bacillus ✓	bacillus ✓	bacillus ✓	bacillus ✓	bacillus ✓	bacillus ✓	bacillus ✓	bacillus ✓

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