Staphylococcus simulans

General Information

Staphylococcus simulans is a coagulase-negative staphylococcus that is often found on the skin and mucous membranes of humans and animals. One of the most intriguing aspects of S. simulans is its ability to produce bacteriocins, which are antimicrobial peptides that can inhibit the growth of other bacteria. This characteristic makes it a subject of interest in the study of natural antimicrobial agents and their potential applications in medicine and food preservation. Another notable feature of S. simulans is its role in the dairy industry. It has been isolated from various dairy products, and its presence can influence the flavor and texture of cheese. Researchers are particularly interested in its enzymatic activities, such as lipase and protease production, which contribute to the ripening process of cheese. From a clinical perspective, S. simulans is generally considered to be of low pathogenicity. However, it has been implicated in opportunistic infections, particularly in immunocompromised individuals or those with indwelling medical devices. This makes it a relevant organism in the study of nosocomial infections and antibiotic resistance. Genomic studies of S. simulans have revealed a wealth of information about its genetic diversity and adaptability. The genome of S. simulans contains genes that confer resistance to various antibiotics, which is a growing concern in the treatment of staphylococcal infections. Understanding these resistance mechanisms is crucial for developing new therapeutic strategies. In summary, Staphylococcus simulans is a versatile and interesting microorganism with significant implications in antimicrobial research, the dairy industry, and clinical microbiology. Its ability to produce bacteriocins, influence cheese ripening, and exhibit antibiotic resistance makes it a valuable subject for ongoing scientific investigation.

Staphylococcus simulans is a coagulase-negative staphylococcus that is often found as a part of the normal flora of human skin and mucous membranes. This organism is particularly interesting due to its ability to produce a variety of bioactive compounds, including antimicrobial peptides, which can play a role in the competition with other microorganisms in its niche. Its presence in the human microbiome suggests a potential protective role against pathogenic bacteria, making it a subject of interest in studies related to skin health and microbial ecology. Moreover, S. simulans has been noted for its genetic diversity, which can provide insights into the evolution of staphylococci and their adaptation mechanisms. Research has shown that it can harbor antibiotic resistance genes, raising concerns about its potential to contribute to the spread of resistance in clinical settings. This characteristic makes it a valuable organism for studying the dynamics of antibiotic resistance and the development of new therapeutic strategies. Additionally, S. simulans has been implicated in various infections, particularly in immunocompromised individuals, which highlights its clinical relevance. Understanding its pathogenic potential and the factors that contribute to its virulence can aid in the development of better diagnostic and treatment options. Overall, Staphylococcus simulans serves as a fascinating model organism for research in microbiology, immunology, and infectious diseases.

Taxonomy

Superkingdom: Bacteria

Phylum: Bacillota

Class: Bacilli

Order: Bacillales

Family: Staphylococcaceae

Genus: Staphylococcus

Species: Staphylococcus simulans

NCBI ID

1286

Genome Info

FTP Path:
ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/genomes/all/GCF/025/561/465/GCF_025561465.1_ASM2556146v1

File for sequence-based predictions:
GCF_025561465.1_ASM2556146v1_genomic.fasta

Descriptions

Clinical Implications and Relevance

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

The organism Staphylococcus simulans is a coagulase-negative staphylococcus (CNS) that is part of the normal flora of human skin and mucous membranes. While it is generally considered non-pathogenic, it has been associated with various infections in immunocompromised patients and those with indwelling medical devices. Clinical implications of S. simulans include its potential role in nosocomial infections, particularly in patients with compromised immune systems or those undergoing invasive procedures. One of the significant concerns regarding S. simulans is its ability to exhibit antimicrobial resistance, particularly to methicillin, which can complicate treatment options. This resistance is often attributed to the acquisition of the mecA gene, which encodes for a penicillin-binding protein that reduces the effectiveness of beta-lactam antibiotics. In terms of immune evasion, S. simulans can produce biofilms, which protect it from both the host immune response and antibiotic treatment. This characteristic is particularly problematic in the context of implanted medical devices, where biofilm formation can lead to persistent infections that are difficult to eradicate. Despite its potential pathogenicity, S. simulans has also been studied for its possible medical applications. Some strains are being investigated for their probiotic properties, which may contribute to gut health and the prevention of certain diseases. However, more research is needed to fully understand the implications of using S. simulans in clinical settings. Overall, while S. simulans is primarily a commensal organism, its role in infections, particularly in vulnerable populations, underscores the importance of monitoring its presence and resistance patterns in clinical microbiology.

Habitat and Ecological Niches

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

Staphylococcus simulans is a versatile microorganism commonly found in various habitat types associated with human and animal hosts. This bacterium is primarily located on the skin and mucous membranes, making it a significant component of the human microbiome. It thrives in environments that are rich in nutrients, such as sebaceous glands and hair follicles, where it can utilize lipids and other organic compounds for growth. In addition to its presence on human skin, Staphylococcus simulans is also found in the nasal cavity and oral cavity, where it plays a role in maintaining the balance of microbial communities. Its ability to form biofilms allows it to adhere to surfaces, which can be particularly important in symbiotic relationships with other microorganisms, contributing to the overall health of the host. Ecologically, Staphylococcus simulans can act as a commensal organism, meaning it typically does not cause harm to its host but can become opportunistic under certain conditions, such as when the host's immune system is compromised. This adaptability highlights its role in the ecosystem as both a protector and a potential pathogen. Furthermore, Staphylococcus simulans has been documented in animal hosts, particularly in livestock, where it can influence the health of the skin and mucosal surfaces. Its presence in these environments underscores its importance in animal microbiomes and its potential impact on animal health and disease. Overall, the ecological niches occupied by Staphylococcus simulans are diverse, ranging from human-associated environments to animal habitats, showcasing its adaptability and significance in various biomes.

Industrial Application

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

The microorganism Staphylococcus simulans has shown potential in various industrial applications, particularly in the fields of biotechnology and pharmaceutical development. This organism is known for its ability to produce antimicrobial compounds, which can be harnessed in the development of new antibiotics and preservatives. Its role in fermentation processes is also noteworthy, as it can contribute to the production of fermented foods and beverages, enhancing flavor and shelf-life. In the realm of waste management, Staphylococcus simulans has been studied for its capacity to degrade certain pollutants, making it a candidate for biodegradation processes. This capability can be particularly useful in treating wastewater and reducing environmental contaminants. Moreover, its enzymatic activity has implications for biofuel production, where it may assist in the breakdown of organic materials, facilitating the conversion of biomass into usable energy sources. Overall, Staphylococcus simulans presents a versatile profile with applications spanning from pharmaceuticals to environmental management, showcasing its importance in modern industrial biotechnology.

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: 12

LLM predicted phenotypes: 1

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

Back to Search