The Genus Ochrobactrum as Major Opportunistic Pathogens

Abstract

Ochrobactrum species are non-enteric, Gram-negative organisms that are closely related to the genus Brucella. Since the designation of the genus in 1988, several distinct species have now been characterised and implicated as opportunistic pathogens in multiple outbreaks. Here, we examine the genus, its members, diagnostic tools used for identification, data from recent Ochrobactrum whole genome sequencing and the pathogenicity associated with reported Ochrobactrum infections. This review identified 128 instances of Ochrobactrum spp. infections that have been discussed in the literature. These findings indicate that infection review programs should consider investigation of possible Ochrobactrum spp. outbreaks if these bacteria are clinically isolated in more than one patient and that Ochrobactrum spp. are more important pathogens than previously thought.

Keywords: Ochrobactrum; environmental bacteria; nosocomial infection.

Figure 1

Phylogenetic structure of the genus Ochrobactrum along with the genus Brucella. The tree based on partial 16S rRNA gene sequences obtained using neighbour joining with Maximum Composite Likelihood method (MEGA package). GenBank accession numbers are given with the species name. Numbers at nodes are bootstrap values based on 1000 resamplings. Bar, 0.0050 substitutions per site [41,42].