Amycolatopsis orientalis

Updated : March 19, 2024

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  • Amycolatopsis orientalis, commonly present in soil environments, thrives across diverse habitats and is frequently isolated from soil samples. While not a prominent human pathogen, its significance lies in being a prolific producer of antibiotics, notably vancomycin. Despite its prevalence in soil, A. orientalis is not known to cause widespread human infections. However, its discovery was pivotal in isolating vancomycin, a critical antibiotic crucial for combating severe infections, including those induced by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). 
  • Despite the abundance of A. orientalis in soil, no documented large-scale outbreaks or endemics are associated with this bacterium. The epidemiological profile of A. orientalis is characterized by its role as a valuable source of over 100 compounds with antibacterial activity. These include the well-known vancomycin & a variety of lesser-known antibiotics. The bacterium’s contribution to antibiotic production adds a layer of significance to its epidemiology, emphasizing its potential impact on human health through the development of antimicrobial agents. 
  • Kingdom: Bacteria 
  • Phylum: Actinomycetota 
  • Class: Actinomycetia 
  • Order: Pseudonocardiales 
  • Family: Pseudonocardiaceae 
  • Genus: Amycolatopsis 
  • Species: A. orientalis 
  •  Amycolatopsis orientalis, a captivating gram-positive bacterium, typically displays a branched filamentous structure, a distinctive trait common among actinomycetes. The bacterium possesses a circular chromosome, and its genome size exhibits variability within the range of 5.62 to 10.94 Mb, with an average size of approximately 8.5–9 Mb. Notably, A. orientalis maintains a high DNA GC content, ranging from 66% to 75%, further contributing to its genomic characteristics. 

 

  • Amycolatopsis orientalis reveals a rich genomic landscape with 26 gene clusters dedicated to secondary metabolism, prominently featuring the 64-kb vancomycin biosynthesis cluster. The complete genome of the A. orientalis strain HCCB10007 consists of an 8,948,591-bp circular chromosome & a dissociated 33,499-bp plasmid. Within this intricately structured genome, a total of 8,121 protein-coding sequences have been predicted, showcasing the genetic complexity of this bacterium.  
  • Comparative genomic analyses, particularly with A. mediterranei, highlight shared characteristics typical of Amycolatopsis genomes. A. orientalis aligns with the mesophilic and moderately thermophilic clade within the genus Amycolatopsis. The type strain of A. orientalis, represented by ATCC 19795, also bears alternative designations such as CIP 107113 and DSM 40040. 
  • Amycolatopsis orientalis is predominantly recognized for its pivotal role in vancomycin production rather than being a significant human pathogen. Due to its infrequent association with human diseases, limited information is available regarding the pathology of A. orientalis in humans. The scant documentation on its pathogenesis in human hosts underscores the rarity of A. orientalis as a causative agent of human infections. 
  • Transmission pathways for A. orientalis remain poorly established, reflecting its uncommon occurrence as a human pathogen. The limited information on its transmission directly results from its rarity in infecting humans. While actinomycetes, including A. orientalis, can cause infections, these instances are generally opportunistic and tend to manifest in individuals with weakened immunity. However, these cases are rare and lack comprehensive characterization in medical literature, further contributing to the challenge of understanding the specific pathogenesis of A. orientalis in humans. 
  • The human immune system deploys a sophisticated defense strategy against bacterial infections, including potential encounters with Amycolatopsis orientalis. Innate immune components, like physical barriers and phagocytic cells, such as macrophages and neutrophils, form the initial line of defense. These elements work collectively to recognize, engulf, and neutralize pathogens. Simultaneously, the adaptive immune system orchestrates specific responses involving B cells that generate antibodies that neutralize bacteria and T cells that contribute to eliminating infected cells.  
  • Amycolatopsis orientalis, while recognized for its antibiotic production, particularly vancomycin, may elicit an immune response if it manifests pathogenicity in humans. The human immune system would recognize foreign bacterial components, activating immune cells & prompting the production of antibodies. Vancomycin, produced by A. orientalis, is crucial in treating gram-positive bacterial infections, including antibiotic-resistant strains like methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).  
  • Clinical manifestations in humans attributed to A. orientalis are not commonly reported, as these bacteria are not conventionally associated with human disease. Instead, Amycolatopsis species, including A. orientalis, garner scientific interest for their significant role in antibiotic discovery.
  • These microorganisms are recognized for their capacity to produce secondary metabolites that are promising in developing antibiotics with therapeutic applications in medicine and agriculture. As a result, Amycolatopsis focuses primarily on their beneficial contributions to pharmaceutical and agricultural industries, and their clinical impact on human health still needs to be explored. 
  • When investigating potential A. orientalis infections, laboratories may employ culture-based tests to isolate the bacterium from clinical samples, including wound swabs, blood cultures, or respiratory specimens. These tests involve the identification of A. orientalis through characteristic growth patterns and biochemical reactions.   
  • Microscopic examination of stained samples may be performed to confirm the presence of filamentous bacteria. However, these culture-based tests are typically reserved for situations with specific clinical suspicion due to the infrequent association of A. orientalis with human diseases.  
  • In recent times, genomic approaches have emerged as valuable tools in diagnosing A. orientalis infections. Molecular techniques, such as Whole-genome sequencing (WGS), offer insights into the bacterium’s genetic makeup, facilitating differentiation from related species. Despite the potential of WGS in providing comprehensive genetic information, its application in routine diagnostics is limited, with its primary usage geared towards research purposes. The diagnosis of A. orientalis infections, therefore, involves carefully considering culture-based tests when clinical suspicion arises, supplemented by advanced genomic techniques for a more detailed genetic analysis. 

  

  • For individuals working with  A. orientalis or handling cultures, strict adherence to biosafety protocols is imperative. This includes using appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, lab coats, and eye protection. Cultures should be handled within a biosafety cabinet to minimize the risk of accidental exposure.  
  • Maintaining high hygiene standards during outdoor work or soil handling activities is crucial. Thorough handwashing after gardening or soil-related tasks is recommended to mitigate potential risks.
  • While A. orientalis is not considered a major pathogen, healthcare facilities should implement standard infection control practices. This involves emphasizing proper hand hygiene among healthcare personnel, ensuring the sterilization of medical equipment, and implementing isolation precautions when necessary. 
  • Maintaining cleanliness in laboratory and healthcare environments is essential to mitigate the risk of exposure to A. orientalis. Regular disinfection of surfaces and equipment helps minimize the likelihood of contamination. Environmental hygiene measures contribute to a safe working and healthcare setting, reducing the chances of accidental exposure to A. orientalis. 
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Amycolatopsis orientalis

Updated : March 19, 2024

Mail Whatsapp PDF Image



  • Amycolatopsis orientalis, commonly present in soil environments, thrives across diverse habitats and is frequently isolated from soil samples. While not a prominent human pathogen, its significance lies in being a prolific producer of antibiotics, notably vancomycin. Despite its prevalence in soil, A. orientalis is not known to cause widespread human infections. However, its discovery was pivotal in isolating vancomycin, a critical antibiotic crucial for combating severe infections, including those induced by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). 
  • Despite the abundance of A. orientalis in soil, no documented large-scale outbreaks or endemics are associated with this bacterium. The epidemiological profile of A. orientalis is characterized by its role as a valuable source of over 100 compounds with antibacterial activity. These include the well-known vancomycin & a variety of lesser-known antibiotics. The bacterium’s contribution to antibiotic production adds a layer of significance to its epidemiology, emphasizing its potential impact on human health through the development of antimicrobial agents. 
  • Kingdom: Bacteria 
  • Phylum: Actinomycetota 
  • Class: Actinomycetia 
  • Order: Pseudonocardiales 
  • Family: Pseudonocardiaceae 
  • Genus: Amycolatopsis 
  • Species: A. orientalis 
  •  Amycolatopsis orientalis, a captivating gram-positive bacterium, typically displays a branched filamentous structure, a distinctive trait common among actinomycetes. The bacterium possesses a circular chromosome, and its genome size exhibits variability within the range of 5.62 to 10.94 Mb, with an average size of approximately 8.5–9 Mb. Notably, A. orientalis maintains a high DNA GC content, ranging from 66% to 75%, further contributing to its genomic characteristics. 

 

  • Amycolatopsis orientalis reveals a rich genomic landscape with 26 gene clusters dedicated to secondary metabolism, prominently featuring the 64-kb vancomycin biosynthesis cluster. The complete genome of the A. orientalis strain HCCB10007 consists of an 8,948,591-bp circular chromosome & a dissociated 33,499-bp plasmid. Within this intricately structured genome, a total of 8,121 protein-coding sequences have been predicted, showcasing the genetic complexity of this bacterium.  
  • Comparative genomic analyses, particularly with A. mediterranei, highlight shared characteristics typical of Amycolatopsis genomes. A. orientalis aligns with the mesophilic and moderately thermophilic clade within the genus Amycolatopsis. The type strain of A. orientalis, represented by ATCC 19795, also bears alternative designations such as CIP 107113 and DSM 40040. 
  • Amycolatopsis orientalis is predominantly recognized for its pivotal role in vancomycin production rather than being a significant human pathogen. Due to its infrequent association with human diseases, limited information is available regarding the pathology of A. orientalis in humans. The scant documentation on its pathogenesis in human hosts underscores the rarity of A. orientalis as a causative agent of human infections. 
  • Transmission pathways for A. orientalis remain poorly established, reflecting its uncommon occurrence as a human pathogen. The limited information on its transmission directly results from its rarity in infecting humans. While actinomycetes, including A. orientalis, can cause infections, these instances are generally opportunistic and tend to manifest in individuals with weakened immunity. However, these cases are rare and lack comprehensive characterization in medical literature, further contributing to the challenge of understanding the specific pathogenesis of A. orientalis in humans. 
  • The human immune system deploys a sophisticated defense strategy against bacterial infections, including potential encounters with Amycolatopsis orientalis. Innate immune components, like physical barriers and phagocytic cells, such as macrophages and neutrophils, form the initial line of defense. These elements work collectively to recognize, engulf, and neutralize pathogens. Simultaneously, the adaptive immune system orchestrates specific responses involving B cells that generate antibodies that neutralize bacteria and T cells that contribute to eliminating infected cells.  
  • Amycolatopsis orientalis, while recognized for its antibiotic production, particularly vancomycin, may elicit an immune response if it manifests pathogenicity in humans. The human immune system would recognize foreign bacterial components, activating immune cells & prompting the production of antibodies. Vancomycin, produced by A. orientalis, is crucial in treating gram-positive bacterial infections, including antibiotic-resistant strains like methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).  
  • Clinical manifestations in humans attributed to A. orientalis are not commonly reported, as these bacteria are not conventionally associated with human disease. Instead, Amycolatopsis species, including A. orientalis, garner scientific interest for their significant role in antibiotic discovery.
  • These microorganisms are recognized for their capacity to produce secondary metabolites that are promising in developing antibiotics with therapeutic applications in medicine and agriculture. As a result, Amycolatopsis focuses primarily on their beneficial contributions to pharmaceutical and agricultural industries, and their clinical impact on human health still needs to be explored. 
  • When investigating potential A. orientalis infections, laboratories may employ culture-based tests to isolate the bacterium from clinical samples, including wound swabs, blood cultures, or respiratory specimens. These tests involve the identification of A. orientalis through characteristic growth patterns and biochemical reactions.   
  • Microscopic examination of stained samples may be performed to confirm the presence of filamentous bacteria. However, these culture-based tests are typically reserved for situations with specific clinical suspicion due to the infrequent association of A. orientalis with human diseases.  
  • In recent times, genomic approaches have emerged as valuable tools in diagnosing A. orientalis infections. Molecular techniques, such as Whole-genome sequencing (WGS), offer insights into the bacterium’s genetic makeup, facilitating differentiation from related species. Despite the potential of WGS in providing comprehensive genetic information, its application in routine diagnostics is limited, with its primary usage geared towards research purposes. The diagnosis of A. orientalis infections, therefore, involves carefully considering culture-based tests when clinical suspicion arises, supplemented by advanced genomic techniques for a more detailed genetic analysis. 

  

  • For individuals working with  A. orientalis or handling cultures, strict adherence to biosafety protocols is imperative. This includes using appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, lab coats, and eye protection. Cultures should be handled within a biosafety cabinet to minimize the risk of accidental exposure.  
  • Maintaining high hygiene standards during outdoor work or soil handling activities is crucial. Thorough handwashing after gardening or soil-related tasks is recommended to mitigate potential risks.
  • While A. orientalis is not considered a major pathogen, healthcare facilities should implement standard infection control practices. This involves emphasizing proper hand hygiene among healthcare personnel, ensuring the sterilization of medical equipment, and implementing isolation precautions when necessary. 
  • Maintaining cleanliness in laboratory and healthcare environments is essential to mitigate the risk of exposure to A. orientalis. Regular disinfection of surfaces and equipment helps minimize the likelihood of contamination. Environmental hygiene measures contribute to a safe working and healthcare setting, reducing the chances of accidental exposure to A. orientalis. 

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