Variation in genome content and predatory phenotypes between Bdellovibrio sp. NC01 isolated from soil and B. bacteriovorus type strain HD100.

Defining phenotypic and associated genotypic variation among Bdellovibrio may further our understanding of how this genus attacks and kills different Gram-negative bacteria. We isolated Bdellovibrio sp. NC01 from soil. Analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences and average amino acid identity showed that NC01 belongs to a different species than the type species bacteriovorus. By clustering amino acid sequences from completely sequenced Bdellovibrio and comparing the resulting orthologue groups to a previously published analysis, we defined a 'core genome' of 778 protein-coding genes and identified four protein-coding genes that appeared to be missing only in NC01. To determine how horizontal gene transfer (HGT) may have impacted NC01 genome evolution, we performed genome-wide comparisons of Bdellovibrio nucleotide sequences, which indicated that eight NC01 genomic regions were likely acquired by HGT. To investigate how genome variation may impact predation, we compared protein-coding gene content between NC01 and the B. bacteriovorus type strain HD100, focusing on genes implicated as important in successful killing of prey. Of these, NC01 is missing ten genes that may play roles in lytic activity during predation. Compared to HD100, NC01 kills fewer tested prey strains and kills Escherichia coli ML35 less efficiently. NC01 causes a smaller log reduction in ML35, after which the prey population recovers and the NC01 population decreases. In addition, NC01 forms turbid plaques on lawns of E. coli ML35, in contrast to clear plaques formed by HD100. Linking phenotypic variation in interactions between Bdellovibrio and Gram-negative bacteria with underlying Bdellovibrio genome variation is valuable for understanding the ecological significance of predatory bacteria and evaluating their effectiveness in clinical applications.

Beyond Infantile Hemangiomas: A Glimpse into Overlapping Rare Syndromes Emphasizing the Vigilant Screening for PHACE and LUMBAR Syndromes.

Infantile hemangiomas are the most common birthmark in newborns. They are clinically diagnosed and usually self-limited. However, there are several exceptions with aggressive types of hemangiomas that can be associated with extracutaneous anomalies, such as PHACE syndrome (posterior fossa anomalies, upper body hemangiomas, arterial anomalies, cardiac anomalies, and eye anomalies) and LUMBAR syndrome (lower body hemangiomas, ulcerations/urogenital anomalies, myelopathies, bony deformities, anorectal malformations/arterial anomalies, and renal anomalies). These two syndromes, described in the literature with distinct features, have rarely been reported in the same patient. We discuss one of the few cases reported with overlapping features of the PHACE and LUMBAR syndromes that initially presented with infantile hemangiomas, as well as other nonspecific skin and systemic findings. Minimal guidance has been described due to the need for more scientific literature. Our aim is to reinforce awareness of these two syndromes and the possibility of an overlap presentation between them. Furthermore, we emphasize the need for an interdisciplinary approach with screening for all known associations to avoid missing essential components of these syndromes that can lead to significant morbidity and lifetime complications.

Complete Genome Sequence of Bdellovibrio sp. Strain KM01, a Predatory Bacterium Isolated from Soil.

We report the complete genome sequence of the predatory bacterium Bdellovibrio sp. strain KM01, isolated from soil collected near a pond. The genome is 3,961,288 bp long with 45.5% GC content. Comparative genomics among Bdellovibrio strains will help us understand how genotypic differences affect differences in predatory phenotypes.