Corynebacterium xerosis

General Information

Corynebacterium xerosis is a fascinating microorganism that belongs to the genus Corynebacterium. This bacterium is particularly interesting due to its role in the human microbiota, where it is commonly found on the skin and mucous membranes. One of the most notable aspects of C. xerosis is its ability to act as an opportunistic pathogen, especially in immunocompromised individuals. It has been associated with various infections, including endocarditis, septicemia, and wound infections, making it a subject of clinical importance. From a research perspective, C. xerosis is valuable for studying the mechanisms of opportunistic infections and host-pathogen interactions. Its presence in diverse environments, including hospital settings, underscores its adaptability and resilience. Researchers are particularly interested in its genetic makeup and metabolic pathways, which contribute to its survival and pathogenicity. Moreover, C. xerosis has been studied for its potential in biotechnological applications. Its ability to produce certain enzymes and metabolites can be harnessed for industrial processes. Understanding the genetic and biochemical properties of C. xerosis can lead to the development of new therapeutic strategies and biotechnological innovations. In summary, Corynebacterium xerosis is a microorganism of significant interest due to its dual role as a commensal organism and an opportunistic pathogen, its adaptability to various environments, and its potential applications in biotechnology.**

Corynebacterium xerosis is a non-pathogenic bacterium that is part of the normal flora of human skin and mucous membranes. This organism is particularly interesting due to its ability to thrive in dry environments, which is reflected in its name, as 'xerosis' refers to dryness. This characteristic makes it a valuable model for studying microbial adaptation to desiccation and survival in extreme conditions. One of the unique aspects of Corynebacterium xerosis is its role in the skin microbiome. It contributes to the maintenance of skin health by competing with pathogenic microorganisms and producing antimicrobial substances. This competitive ability highlights its potential as a probiotic agent in dermatological applications. Additionally, Corynebacterium xerosis has been studied for its metabolic capabilities, particularly its ability to utilize various carbon sources. This metabolic versatility can provide insights into microbial ecology and the interactions within the skin microbiome. Research into its metabolic pathways may also have implications for biotechnology, particularly in the production of bioactive compounds. Furthermore, this species has been investigated for its potential in bioremediation processes, as it can degrade certain environmental pollutants. This ability to adapt and thrive in diverse environments underscores its ecological significance and potential applications in environmental microbiology. Overall, Corynebacterium xerosis serves as an important organism for understanding microbial ecology, skin health, and biotechnological applications.

Taxonomy

Superkingdom: Bacteria

Phylum: Actinomycetota

Class: Actinomycetes

Order: Mycobacteriales

Family: Corynebacteriaceae

Genus: Corynebacterium

Species: Corynebacterium xerosis

NCBI ID

1725

Genome Info

FTP Path:
ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/genomes/all/GCF/003/641/245/GCF_003641245.1_ASM364124v1

File for sequence-based predictions:
GCF_003641245.1_ASM364124v1_genomic.fasta

Descriptions

Clinical Implications and Relevance

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

The organism Corynebacterium xerosis is a member of the normal flora of human skin and mucous membranes, but it has been associated with various clinical implications. It is known to be an opportunistic pathogen, particularly in immunocompromised individuals, where it can lead to infections such as skin and soft tissue infections. In rare cases, Corynebacterium xerosis has been implicated in endocarditis and bacteremia, especially in patients with underlying health conditions or indwelling medical devices. One of the notable aspects of Corynebacterium xerosis is its potential for antimicrobial resistance. Strains of this organism have shown resistance to multiple antibiotics, which complicates treatment options for infections. This resistance is often attributed to the acquisition of resistance genes and the ability to form biofilms, which enhance its survival in hostile environments. In terms of immune evasion, Corynebacterium xerosis can modulate the host's immune response, allowing it to persist in the body without being effectively cleared. This characteristic is particularly concerning in clinical settings where patients may have compromised immune systems. Despite its pathogenic potential, Corynebacterium xerosis is also being studied for its role in probiotics and therapeutics. Some strains may have beneficial properties that could be harnessed for health applications, although more research is needed to fully understand these benefits. Overall, while Corynebacterium xerosis is primarily a commensal organism, its opportunistic nature and potential for infections highlight its clinical relevance in healthcare settings.

Habitat and Ecological Niches

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

Corynebacterium xerosis is a species of bacteria commonly found in various human-associated environments and natural habitats. This microorganism is primarily associated with the skin microbiome, where it plays a crucial role in maintaining skin health and preventing the colonization of pathogenic organisms. It thrives in the epidermal layer of the skin, particularly in areas that are warm and moist, such as the armpits and groin. Corynebacterium xerosis is known for its ability to adapt to the varied pH levels and moisture conditions of the skin, making it a resilient inhabitant of this biome. In addition to its presence on human skin, Corynebacterium xerosis can also be found in environmental niches such as soil and water, where it contributes to the decomposition of organic matter. This bacterium is involved in the cycling of nutrients, particularly in the breakdown of complex organic compounds, which enriches the soil and supports plant growth. Notably, its role in symbiotic relationships with other microorganisms enhances the overall microbial diversity and stability of these ecosystems. Overall, Corynebacterium xerosis exemplifies the intricate connections between microorganisms and their environments, showcasing its adaptability and ecological significance in both human-associated and natural biomes.

Industrial Application

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

The microorganism Corynebacterium xerosis 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 a range of metabolites that can be harnessed in fermentation processes. For instance, Corynebacterium xerosis can be utilized in the production of amino acids, which are essential building blocks in the pharmaceutical industry for drug formulation and nutritional supplements. In addition to its role in fermentation, Corynebacterium xerosis has demonstrated capabilities in waste management. It can contribute to the biodegradation of organic waste, helping to break down complex compounds into simpler, less harmful substances. This property is particularly valuable in the treatment of wastewater, where the organism can assist in the removal of pollutants, thus improving water quality. Moreover, the enzymatic activity of Corynebacterium xerosis is noteworthy, as it can produce specific enzymes that are useful in various industrial processes, including the food industry for the enhancement of flavor and preservation. Overall, the versatility of Corynebacterium xerosis in these applications highlights its significance in advancing sustainable practices across multiple sectors.

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: 8

LLM predicted phenotypes: 5

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

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