Streptococcus infantis

General Information

Streptococcus infantis is a species of bacteria that belongs to the genus Streptococcus. This microorganism is particularly interesting due to its association with the human microbiome, especially in infants. One of the most notable aspects of S. infantis is its role in the early colonization of the infant gut. It is often found in the gastrointestinal tract of newborns and is considered a part of the normal flora. Research has shown that S. infantis can have significant implications for infant health. It is believed to play a crucial role in the development of the immune system by interacting with the host's immune cells and potentially providing protection against pathogenic bacteria. This interaction is vital during the early stages of life when the immune system is still developing. Another fascinating aspect of S. infantis is its potential use in probiotics. Studies have suggested that supplementing infants with S. infantis can lead to improved gut health and a reduction in gastrointestinal disorders. This makes it a valuable candidate for therapeutic applications aimed at promoting a healthy gut microbiome from an early age. In addition to its health benefits, S. infantis is also of interest due to its genetic characteristics. The genome of S. infantis has been sequenced, providing insights into its metabolic pathways and mechanisms of interaction with the host. Understanding these genetic traits can help in developing targeted probiotic therapies and enhancing our knowledge of microbial ecology in the human body. Overall, Streptococcus infantis is a microorganism of significant interest due to its beneficial role in the infant gut microbiome, its potential therapeutic applications, and its genetic characteristics that offer insights into host-microbe interactions.

Streptococcus infantis is a fascinating member of the Streptococcus genus, primarily known for its presence in the human microbiome, particularly in the oral cavity and gastrointestinal tract. This organism is notable for its role in the complex ecosystem of the human microbiota, contributing to the maintenance of gut health and the prevention of pathogenic colonization. Its ability to metabolize a variety of carbohydrates allows it to thrive in diverse environments, making it a valuable subject for research into microbial ecology and interactions within the gut microbiome. One of the most interesting aspects of S. infantis is its potential influence on human health. Studies have suggested that this species may play a role in modulating immune responses and could be linked to the prevention of certain diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). This connection highlights its potential as a probiotic candidate, which could be harnessed for therapeutic purposes. Furthermore, S. infantis has been the focus of research into its metabolic capabilities, particularly its ability to ferment human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs). This characteristic is particularly significant in the context of infant nutrition, as it suggests that S. infantis may be crucial for the development of a healthy gut microbiome in infants who are breastfed. The organism's unique metabolic pathways and interactions with other gut microbes make it a compelling subject for studies aimed at understanding the dynamics of the gut microbiome and its impact on overall health. In summary, Streptococcus infantis stands out due to its ecological significance, potential health benefits, and unique metabolic properties, making it a valuable organism for ongoing research in microbiology and human health.

Taxonomy

Superkingdom: Bacteria

Phylum: Bacillota

Class: Bacilli

Order: Lactobacillales

Family: Streptococcaceae

Genus: Streptococcus

Species: Streptococcus infantis

NCBI ID

68892

Genome Info

FTP Path:
ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/genomes/all/GCA/021/497/965/GCA_021497965.1_ASM2149796v1

File for sequence-based predictions:
GCA_021497965.1_ASM2149796v1_genomic.fasta

Descriptions

Clinical Implications and Relevance

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

The organism Streptococcus infantis is a member of the normal flora of the human gastrointestinal tract and has been studied for its potential role in human health. It is particularly noted for its association with the gut microbiome, where it may contribute to the maintenance of gut health and the modulation of the immune response. However, its clinical implications extend beyond its commensal nature. Pathogenicity: While S. infantis is generally considered non-pathogenic, there have been rare cases where it has been implicated in infections, particularly in immunocompromised individuals. These infections can include bacteremia and endocarditis, although such occurrences are infrequent. Antimicrobial Resistance: There is limited data on the antimicrobial resistance patterns of S. infantis, but like many streptococci, it may exhibit varying susceptibility to common antibiotics. Monitoring for resistance is essential, especially in clinical settings where it may be isolated from patients. Medical Applications: S. infantis has garnered interest in the field of probiotics. Some studies suggest that it may have beneficial effects on gut health, potentially aiding in the prevention of gastrointestinal disorders and enhancing the immune response. Its role in the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) is also of interest, as SCFAs are known to have anti-inflammatory properties. Immune Evasion Strategies: While specific mechanisms of immune evasion by S. infantis are not well-documented, like other members of the Streptococcus genus, it may employ strategies such as the production of polysaccharide capsules or surface proteins that help it evade detection by the host's immune system. In summary, Streptococcus infantis plays a dual role as a commensal organism with potential health benefits and as a rare pathogen in specific clinical contexts. Its contributions to gut health and the immune response highlight its relevance in both health and disease.

Habitat and Ecological Niches

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

Streptococcus infantis is primarily associated with the human gastrointestinal tract, where it plays a significant role in the microbial community. This organism is commonly found in the oral cavity and the intestines, thriving in environments rich in carbohydrates and proteins. Its presence is crucial for maintaining a balanced gut microbiome, contributing to the fermentation of dietary fibers and the production of short-chain fatty acids, which are beneficial for gut health. In the oral biome, Streptococcus infantis interacts with other microorganisms, forming complex biofilms on dental surfaces. This symbiotic relationship helps in the prevention of pathogenic bacteria colonization, thereby playing a protective role in oral health. The organism's ability to adhere to surfaces and form biofilms is a key adaptation that allows it to thrive in these environments. Additionally, Streptococcus infantis is known for its ability to metabolize various sugars, which enables it to flourish in nutrient-rich environments. Its metabolic activities contribute to the overall nutrient cycling within the gut, supporting the health of the host and influencing the immune system. Overall, Streptococcus infantis exemplifies the intricate relationships within the microbial ecosystems of the human body, highlighting its importance in both health and disease.

Industrial Application

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

The microorganism Streptococcus infantis has shown potential in various industrial applications, particularly in the fields of biotechnology and pharmaceutical development. This organism is known for its role in fermentation, which is crucial in the production of certain dairy products, such as yogurt and cheese. The ability of Streptococcus infantis to ferment lactose contributes to the development of flavor and texture in these products, making it a valuable asset in the food industry. In addition to its applications in food production, Streptococcus infantis has been studied for its potential in probiotic formulations. Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that can improve gut health and enhance the immune system. The use of Streptococcus infantis in probiotic supplements can help in the management of gastrointestinal disorders and promote overall health. Furthermore, this microorganism has been investigated for its role in waste management. Its ability to degrade organic matter can be harnessed in biodegradation processes, helping to break down waste materials in a more environmentally friendly manner. This application is particularly relevant in the treatment of organic waste, where Streptococcus infantis can contribute to the reduction of waste volume and the production of biogas. Overall, Streptococcus infantis demonstrates significant potential in various industries, particularly through its involvement in fermentation, probiotic development, and biodegradation processes, making it a noteworthy microorganism in the realm of 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: 8

LLM predicted phenotypes: 5

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

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