Nocardia neocaledoniensis

General Information

Nocardia neocaledoniensis is a fascinating microorganism belonging to the genus Nocardia, which is known for its complex life cycle and ability to degrade a wide range of organic compounds. This species is particularly interesting due to its unique metabolic capabilities and its potential applications in biotechnology and medicine. Nocardia neocaledoniensis is notable for its ability to produce a variety of secondary metabolites, some of which have antibiotic properties. These compounds can be valuable in the development of new antimicrobial agents, especially in an era where antibiotic resistance is a growing concern. The organism's metabolic versatility also makes it a candidate for bioremediation efforts, as it can degrade pollutants and toxic substances in the environment. Another intriguing aspect of Nocardia neocaledoniensis is its genetic adaptability. The species has a relatively large genome with a high degree of genetic plasticity, allowing it to survive and thrive in diverse and often harsh environments. This adaptability is of significant interest to researchers studying microbial evolution and the mechanisms of genetic regulation. In addition to its environmental and medical applications, Nocardia neocaledoniensis is also studied for its role in human health. While it is generally considered an opportunistic pathogen, it can cause infections in immunocompromised individuals. Understanding the pathogenic mechanisms of this organism can lead to better diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for nocardiosis and related infections. Overall, Nocardia neocaledoniensis stands out due to its biotechnological potential, environmental significance, and medical relevance, making it a valuable subject of study in various scientific fields.

Nocardia neocaledoniensis is a species of the genus Nocardia, which is known for its filamentous, branched morphology resembling that of fungi. This organism is particularly interesting due to its environmental versatility, thriving in various habitats, including soil and decaying organic matter. Its ability to degrade complex organic compounds makes it a valuable player in bioremediation processes, where it can help in the breakdown of pollutants and contribute to nutrient cycling in ecosystems. One of the unique aspects of N. neocaledoniensis is its production of bioactive compounds, which have garnered attention for their potential pharmaceutical applications. Research has indicated that this species may produce secondary metabolites with antimicrobial properties, making it a candidate for the discovery of new antibiotics or other therapeutic agents. Furthermore, N. neocaledoniensis has been studied for its role in human health, particularly in immunocompromised individuals, where it can cause opportunistic infections. Understanding its pathogenic mechanisms can provide insights into host-pathogen interactions and contribute to the development of better diagnostic and treatment strategies. Overall, the ecological significance, potential biotechnological applications, and implications for human health make Nocardia neocaledoniensis a noteworthy subject of study in microbiology and related fields.

Taxonomy

Superkingdom: Bacteria

Phylum: Actinomycetota

Class: Actinomycetes

Order: Mycobacteriales

Family: Nocardiaceae

Genus: Nocardia

Species: Nocardia neocaledoniensis

NCBI ID

236511

Genome Info

FTP Path:
ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/genomes/all/GCF/003/182/135/GCF_003182135.1_ASM318213v1

File for sequence-based predictions:
GCF_003182135.1_ASM318213v1_genomic.fasta

Descriptions

Clinical Implications and Relevance

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

The organism Nocardia neocaledoniensis is a member of the genus Nocardia, which is known for its role in human health and disease. This bacterium is primarily associated with pulmonary infections and can lead to opportunistic infections in immunocompromised individuals. It is particularly relevant in patients with underlying conditions such as HIV/AIDS, cancer, or those on immunosuppressive therapy. The clinical manifestations of infections caused by N. neocaledoniensis can range from mild respiratory symptoms to severe pneumonia, and it may also disseminate to other organs, causing systemic infections. One of the significant challenges in managing infections caused by N. neocaledoniensis is its antimicrobial resistance. This organism exhibits resistance to multiple classes of antibiotics, which complicates treatment options. The resistance mechanisms may include the production of beta-lactamases and alterations in cell wall permeability, making it difficult for standard antibiotics to be effective. In terms of immune evasion, N. neocaledoniensis can survive and replicate within macrophages, which is a key strategy for avoiding the host's immune response. This ability to evade phagocytosis contributes to its pathogenicity and persistence in the host. While N. neocaledoniensis is primarily recognized for its pathogenic potential, there is ongoing research into its potential medical applications. Some species of Nocardia have been explored for their use in bioremediation and as sources of bioactive compounds. However, the clinical implications of N. neocaledoniensis remain a significant concern, particularly in the context of rising rates of opportunistic infections in vulnerable populations.

Habitat and Ecological Niches

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

Nocardia neocaledoniensis is a species of actinobacteria that is primarily associated with soil environments and decaying organic matter. This microorganism thrives in tropical and subtropical biomes, particularly in regions with high humidity and warm temperatures, such as those found in New Caledonia, its namesake. Its ecological niche is often linked to the breakdown of complex organic materials, contributing to nutrient cycling within the soil ecosystem. In these soil habitats, Nocardia neocaledoniensis plays a crucial role in decomposition, aiding in the transformation of organic matter into simpler compounds that can be utilized by plants and other microorganisms. This process not only enriches the soil but also supports the overall health of the ecosystem. Additionally, Nocardia neocaledoniensis exhibits notable interactions with its surroundings, including potential symbiotic relationships with plants. It may enhance plant growth by improving nutrient availability or by providing protection against certain pathogens. Its ability to adapt to varying soil conditions, including those with high organic content, underscores its ecological significance in maintaining soil health and fertility. Overall, the presence of Nocardia neocaledoniensis in its native biomes highlights its importance in tropical ecosystems, where it contributes to both the microbial diversity and the functional dynamics of soil communities.

Industrial Application

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

The microorganism Nocardia neocaledoniensis has shown significant potential in various industrial applications, particularly in the fields of biotechnology and waste management. This actinobacterium is known for its ability to degrade a wide range of organic compounds, making it a valuable asset in biodegradation processes. Its enzymatic capabilities allow it to break down complex pollutants, which is particularly useful in the treatment of contaminated soils and wastewater. In the realm of biofuel production, Nocardia neocaledoniensis can contribute to the conversion of biomass into biofuels through its metabolic pathways that facilitate the breakdown of lignocellulosic materials. This process can enhance the efficiency of fermentation processes, leading to higher yields of bioethanol and other biofuels. Moreover, the organism has been studied for its potential in pharmaceutical development, particularly in the production of bioactive compounds. Its unique metabolic properties may lead to the discovery of novel antibiotics or other therapeutic agents, which can be harnessed through fermentation techniques. Overall, Nocardia neocaledoniensis exemplifies the versatility of microorganisms in addressing environmental challenges and contributing to sustainable industrial practices.

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: 4

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

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