The soil bacteria Gordonia rubripertincta is good at breaking down polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Researchers studied this bacterium in Rome, Italy as it thrives in soil and release a growth promoting lipid called mycobactin. 

From January 1997 to June 2008, the Clinical Bacteriology Lab at Taiwan University Hospital found 66 isolates first thought to be Rhodococcus. but later confirmed as Gordonia spp. They looked at patient records for age, and acquired conditions, treatments used, and outcomes. They defined catheter bloodstream infections as cases where bacteria were present in the blood. 

While relatively uncommon, Gordonia infections affect immune compromised and healthy individuals. Often post illness or medical procedures, the study highlighted respiratory infections (61.6%) and bacteremia (21.9%) as the frequent Gordonia linked manifestations. 

The Gordoniaceae family includes G. rubropertincta. It is unique for colonies with shades from pinkish to orange. When grown, these colonies take shapes and vibrant colors. 

G. rubropertincta‘s gram-positive cell wall stains deeply with crystal violet dye. Its cell wall contains mycolic acids, so it’s classified as Chemotype IV. The sugars making up this wall are arabinose and galactose molecules.

G. rubropertincta has a genomic DNA with 63 to 69% GC content. Its growth pattern shows nocarioform mycelial structures breaking into rods and cocci shapes. Unlike some bacteria, G. rubropertincta does not form spores at any point.

G. rubripertincta has a varied metabolic range. It releases triazine hydrolase and breaks down herbicides. G. rubripertincta metabolically degrades hydrocarbons. It gets into in oxidative metabolism of the carbohydrates.

Further, G. rubripertincta is one of few microbes that transform triazines by producing s-triazine hydrolase. It deaminates dechlorinates atrazine and melamine, environmental processes. It metabolises biosurfactants and L-lysine which degrades hydrophobic compounds. 

A genetic study from16S rRNA gene sequence showed that G. rubripertincta is related to G. bronchialis and G. sputi, and it belongs to soil microbial communities. The type strain is DSM 43197 referred as ATCC 14352 was isolated from the soil. 

People with low immunity face a risk of Gordonia, these bacteria take advantage of vulnerable hosts. Medical devices like catheters enables Gordonia infections. 

The bacteria G. rubripertincta spread to humans through air droplets from environmental sources, another way people get infected. Getting in direct contact with contaminated surfaces or objects is way the bacteria is transmitted.

G. rubripertincta bacteria cause different health issues, sometimes rare brain abscesses with severe headaches and problems with the nervous system. Infections from Gordonia don’t happen often compared to other bacteria that make people sick. Gordonia infections still lead to localized bone infections with pain and swelling. 

The body fights G. rubropertincta using two defense systems. The complement system destroys bacterial cells. It helps immune cells remove them.  

The adaptive defenses involved with T cells detecting G. rubropertincta antigens and B cells make antibodies binding to bacterial antigens. Antibodies work in two ways by attaching and marking them for destruction, also neutralize the threat. 

Molecules like cytokines and chemokines control immunity by boosting anti-bacterial actions. Bacteriophage viruses target bacteria by breaking Gordonia cells. It provides an extra microbial control. 

Gordonia rubropertincta triggers infections in people with different immune levels. 

Respiratory illnesses caused by G. rubropertincta include cough, breathing problems, or chest discomfort, its impact on the respiratory system. Primary and secondary bacteremia happen with Gordonia species. This leads to systemic issues as bacteria spread in the blood. 

Bone infections from Gordonia can also cause pain, swelling, and limited joint motion, emphasizing their effect on the musculoskeletal system. In rare severe cases, brain abscesses are seen. Terrible headaches, neurological troubles, and mental changes is seen. 

Gordonia related breast abscesses cause localized pain. Endocarditis is an infection of the heart valves caused by Gordonia. Fever, fatigue, and heart murmurs characterize it. 

Gordonia induced endophthalmitis leads to eye inflammation, vision disturbances, and eye pain. Though rare, meningitis with severe headaches, neck stiffness, and altered consciousness occur. 

Peritonitis is peritoneum inflammation caused by Gordonia. Abdominal pain, fever, tenderness is present. It affects the soft tissues by making it reddish and swollen. 

Pain and discomfort right on the chest bone can signal an infection. After surgery, Gordonia get into the wound and prevents healing and getting symptoms near the cut. 

Coryne Strip API detect Gordonia strains and checks for biochemical traits. It separates them from microbes like Rhodococcus. Molecular methods are accurate. 16S rRNA sequencing identifies Gordonia with high precision and specificity. 

Spotting the bacterium under a microscope in clinical samples with blood, or fluid is vital for diagnosis. 

Growth medium like MEDIUM 3 Columbia agar supports the identification of Gordonia. The next generation sequencing give data of bacterial genomes by revealing species and its genetic diversity. 

Matrix-assisted laser Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry rapidly and reliably identifies G. rubripertincta by leveraging distinct protein profiles. It shows difference of Gordonia species from related species. 

Analyzing specific genetic markers through phylogenetic studies further refines diagnosis, offering insights into evolutionary links among Gordonia strains, aids accurate species identification. 

• Hospitals need strict hygiene rules, for surgery and catheters. Watch patients carefully, especially those with weak immunity, to spot infections early.  

• Antibiotics help but use wisely to avoid resistance. Some antibiotics, like cefoxitin don’t work against Gordonia bacteria. Check about changing drug resistance pattern. 

• Clean healthcare environments to avoid dust and soil exposure from construction. Cleanliness blocks contamination routes and prevents G. rubripertincta. 

Focusing on Gordonia Infections: Distribution, Antimicrobial Susceptibilities and Phylogeny – PMC (nih.gov) 

Gordonia rubropertincta – an overview | ScienceDirect Topics