Brachyspira alvinipulli

General Information

Brachyspira alvinipulli is a fascinating microorganism primarily due to its association with avian species, particularly poultry. This spirochete bacterium is known for its helical shape and unique mode of motility, which involves a corkscrew-like movement facilitated by axial filaments. One of the most intriguing aspects of B. alvinipulli is its role in avian intestinal health. It has been implicated in causing avian intestinal spirochetosis, a condition that can lead to significant economic losses in the poultry industry due to reduced growth rates and egg production in affected birds. From a research perspective, B. alvinipulli is valuable for studying host-pathogen interactions, particularly how it colonizes and persists in the avian gut. Its ability to adhere to and invade the intestinal mucosa makes it a model organism for understanding bacterial pathogenesis in the gastrointestinal tract. Additionally, the study of B. alvinipulli can provide insights into the development of effective control measures and treatments for spirochetal infections in poultry, which is crucial for maintaining animal health and food security. Another interesting feature of B. alvinipulli is its genetic makeup, which offers clues about its evolutionary adaptations to the avian host environment. Researchers are particularly interested in the genes responsible for its motility, adhesion, and immune evasion mechanisms. The bacterium's genome also holds potential for discovering novel antimicrobial targets, which is increasingly important in the face of rising antibiotic resistance. In summary, Brachyspira alvinipulli is not only significant for its impact on poultry health but also serves as a key organism for advancing our understanding of spirochete biology and host-microbe interactions. Its study has broad implications for veterinary medicine, microbiology, and the development of new therapeutic strategies.

Brachyspira alvinipulli is a fascinating anaerobic spirochete that has garnered attention due to its unique ecological niche and its role in the gastrointestinal tract of various animals, particularly in swine. This organism is particularly interesting because it is associated with porcine intestinal spirochetosis, a condition that can lead to significant economic losses in the pig farming industry. The ability of B. alvinipulli to colonize the intestinal mucosa and its potential pathogenicity make it a valuable subject for research in veterinary microbiology and animal health. One of the unique characteristics of B. alvinipulli is its metabolic versatility, allowing it to thrive in the complex and competitive environment of the gut. This adaptability not only aids in its survival but also provides insights into microbial interactions within the gut microbiome. Researchers are particularly interested in understanding how B. alvinipulli interacts with other gut microbes and the host, which could have implications for gut health and disease management. Furthermore, the study of B. alvinipulli contributes to our understanding of spirochete biology, a group of bacteria known for their distinctive spiral shape and unique motility mechanisms. Investigating the genetic and biochemical pathways of B. alvinipulli can shed light on the evolutionary adaptations of spirochetes and their roles in various ecosystems. In summary, Brachyspira alvinipulli stands out not only for its association with gastrointestinal diseases in livestock but also for its potential to enhance our understanding of microbial ecology and spirochete biology, making it a significant organism in both veterinary and microbiological research.

Taxonomy

Superkingdom: Bacteria

Phylum: Spirochaetota

Class: Spirochaetia

Order: Brachyspirales

Family: Brachyspiraceae

Genus: Brachyspira

Species: Brachyspira alvinipulli

NCBI ID

84379

Genome Info

FTP Path:
ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/genomes/all/GCF/036/997/725/GCF_036997725.1_ASM3699772v1

File for sequence-based predictions:
GCF_036997725.1_ASM3699772v1_genomic.fasta

Descriptions

Clinical Implications and Relevance

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

The organism Brachyspira alvinipulli is a spirochete bacterium primarily associated with intestinal infections in animals, particularly in pigs. It is known to cause swine dysentery, a severe disease characterized by diarrhea, weight loss, and dehydration, which can lead to significant economic losses in the swine industry. While its direct impact on human health is limited, the presence of B. alvinipulli in the environment raises concerns about zoonotic transmission and the potential for cross-species infections, particularly in immunocompromised individuals. In terms of pathogenicity, B. alvinipulli employs various strategies to evade the immune response of the host, including its unique motility and ability to colonize the intestinal mucosa. This colonization can disrupt normal gut flora and lead to further complications. Regarding antimicrobial resistance, there are reports of resistance to commonly used antibiotics in veterinary medicine, which poses a challenge for treatment and control of infections. This resistance can complicate management strategies and necessitate the development of alternative therapeutic approaches. While B. alvinipulli is not currently recognized as a significant human pathogen, its role in animal health and potential implications for food safety and public health underscore the importance of monitoring this organism in agricultural settings.

Habitat and Ecological Niches

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

Brachyspira alvinipulli is a species of bacteria primarily associated with the gastrointestinal tract of various animals, particularly in the context of swine health. This microorganism thrives in the anaerobic environments of the intestines, where it plays a significant role in the digestion of complex carbohydrates and the fermentation process. Its presence is often linked to the maintenance of a healthy gut microbiome, contributing to the overall nutritional status of its host. Ecological Niches: _Brachyspira alvinipulli occupies a specific niche within the gut microbiota, where it interacts with other microbial species. This interaction can lead to a balanced microbial community, which is essential for the host's health. However, an overgrowth of this bacterium can be associated with intestinal diseases in pigs, highlighting its dual role as both a beneficial and potentially pathogenic organism. Habitats: The primary habitat for _Brachyspira alvinipulli is the large intestine of pigs, where it thrives in the mucosal layer and contributes to the fermentation of undigested food particles. The bacterium is adapted to the low-oxygen conditions of the gut, allowing it to flourish in this unique environment. Notable Interactions: This microorganism is known for its role in symbiotic relationships within the gut ecosystem. It helps in breaking down complex carbohydrates, which can enhance nutrient absorption for the host. Additionally, it may compete with pathogenic bacteria, thus playing a protective role in the gut. However, its pathogenic potential can lead to dysbiosis if not properly regulated, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a balanced gut microbiome.

Industrial Application

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

The microorganism Brachyspira alvinipulli has shown potential in various industrial applications, particularly in the fields of biotechnology and waste management. This organism is known for its role in anaerobic fermentation, which can be harnessed for the production of valuable metabolites. For instance, it can be utilized in the fermentation of organic materials, leading to the generation of bioactive compounds that may have pharmaceutical significance. In the realm of waste management, Brachyspira alvinipulli has been studied for its ability to degrade complex organic waste, contributing to biodegradation processes. This capability is particularly useful in treating agricultural and food waste, where the microorganism can help reduce the environmental impact of waste disposal by converting it into less harmful substances. Moreover, its enzymatic activity can be leveraged in biofuel production, where it may assist in the breakdown of lignocellulosic biomass, facilitating the conversion of waste materials into biofuels through enzymatic hydrolysis. This process not only aids in waste reduction but also promotes the sustainable production of energy. Overall, Brachyspira alvinipulli presents a promising avenue for innovation in pharmaceutical development, biotechnology, and environmental sustainability, making it a valuable organism in various industrial 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	anthropic/claude-3.5-sonnet	openai/gpt-4o	openai/gpt-4o	google/gemini-pro-1.5	google/gemini-flash-1.5	meta-llama/llama-3-70b-instruct:nitro	meta-llama/llama-3-8b-instruct:nitro	perplexity/llama-3-sonar-small-32k-chat	google/gemma-7b-it	openchat/openchat-7b	mistralai/mixtral-8x7b-instruct:nitro	openai/gpt-3.5-turbo-0125	openai/gpt-3.5-turbo-0125	google/palm-2-chat-bison-32k	google/palm-2-chat-bison-32k	openai/gpt-4	openai/gpt-4	anthropic/claude-3-haiku:beta	anthropic/claude-3-haiku:beta	microsoft/wizardlm-2-8x22b	microsoft/wizardlm-2-8x22b	mistralai/mistral-7b-instruct	mistralai/mistral-7b-instruct	google/gemini-pro	google/gemini-pro	microsoft/phi-3-mini-128k-instruct	microsoft/phi-3-mini-128k-instruct
Motility	N/A	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	false	false
Gram staining	gram stain negative	gram stain negative ✓	N/A	gram stain negative ✓	gram stain negative ✓	gram stain negative ✓	gram stain negative ✓	gram stain negative ✓	gram stain negative ✓	gram stain negative ✓	gram stain variable ✗	gram stain negative ✓	N/A	gram stain negative ✓	N/A	gram stain negative ✓	N/A	gram stain negative ✓	N/A	gram stain negative ✓	N/A	gram stain negative ✓	N/A	gram stain variable ✗	N/A	gram stain negative ✓	N/A	gram stain negative ✓
Aerophilicity	anaerobic	anaerobic ✓	anaerobic ✓	anaerobic ✓	anaerobic ✓	anaerobic ✓	anaerobic ✓	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	facultatively anaerobic ✗	facultatively anaerobic ✗	anaerobic ✓	anaerobic ✓	anaerobic ✓	anaerobic ✓	N/A	N/A	anaerobic ✓	anaerobic ✓	aerotolerant ✗	aerotolerant ✗	anaerobic ✓	anaerobic ✓	N/A	N/A
Extreme environment tolerance	FALSE	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	true ✗	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	true ✗	true ✗	false ✓	false ✓	true ✗	true ✗	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓
Biofilm formation	N/A	true	false	false	false	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	false	false	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true
Animal pathogenicity	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 ✓	false ✗	false ✗
Biosafety level	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 1 ✗	biosafety level 1 ✗
Health association	N/A	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	false	false
Host association	TRUE	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	false ✗	true ✓	true ✓	false ✗	false ✗	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	N/A	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	N/A	beta	beta	beta	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	beta	beta	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Cell shape	spirillum	spirillum ✓	spirillum ✓	spirillum ✓	spirillum ✓	spirillum ✓	spirillum ✓	bacillus ✗	bacillus ✗	bacillus ✗	spirillum ✓	bacillus ✗	spirillum ✓	spirillum ✓	spirillum ✓	spirillum ✓	spirillum ✓	spirillum ✓	spirillum ✓	spirillum ✓	spirillum ✓	spirillum ✓	bacillus ✗	bacillus ✗	spirillum ✓	spirillum ✓	bacillus ✗	bacillus ✗

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