Pagulong, Jerico E.
CON-1D
Streptomyces (important source of antibiotics)
I. Description
Streptomyces is a genus of Gram-positive,
aerobic, and rod-shaped bacteria that are
widely distributed in the environment. They
are one of the most well-known prokaryotes
and are known for their ability to produce a
wide range of bioactive compounds, such as
antibiotics, antifungals, and various
enzymes. Streptomyces is an important
genus for the production of antibiotics and
other compounds and has been used as a
model organism for studying the regulation
of gene expression and the biosynthesis of
secondary metabolites.
II. Epidemiology
Streptomyces is a genus of Gram-positive,
non-motile, rod-shaped bacteria belonging to
the family Streptomycetaceae. They are
found in soil and decomposing organic
matter. Streptomyces species are important
producers of antibiotics, such as
streptomycin, gentamicin, tetracycline and
chloramphenicol. The epidemiology of
Streptomyces infections is a relatively new
and evolving field. Streptomyces species can
cause a variety of infections, including
endocarditis, septicemia, skin and soft tissue
infections, and osteomyelitis. In addition,
they are an emerging cause of hospital-
acquired infections and are capable of
developing resistance to multiple antibiotics.
Examples of diseases caused by
Streptomyces include:
1. Endocarditis: Endocarditis is an
inflammation of the inner lining of the heart
chambers and valves caused by infection
with Streptomyces species. Symptoms
include fever, fatigue, shortness of breath,
and chest pain.
2. Septicemia: Septicemia is a bloodstream
infection caused by Streptomyces.
Symptoms include fever, chills, and a rapid
heart rate.
3. Skin and soft tissue infections: Skin and
soft tissue infections caused by
Streptomyces include abscesses and
cellulitis. Symptoms include redness,
swelling, and pain in the affected area.
4. Osteomyelitis: Osteomyelitis is an
infection of the bone and bone marrow
caused by Streptomyces. Symptoms include
fever, pain, and swelling around the affected
area.
III. Life Cycle
The life cycle of Streptomyces begins with a
spore, which is an asexual reproductive
stage of a fungus. When the spore finds a
suitable environment, it germinates, sending
out hyphae that grow and branch out until
they form a mycelium. The mycelium will
then form aerial hyphae, which will produce
chains of spores that are dispersed through
the air.
The hyphae will eventually form a structure
called a sporophore, which will produce
spores on the surface. The spores are then
released into the environment, where they
can form new mycelia in the presence of
suitable organic matter.
Once the mycelia have established
themselves, they produce specialized
secondary metabolites, including antibiotics.
This process is called secondary
metabolism, and it is responsible for
Streptomyces’ ability to produce antibiotics
Streptomyces has evolved to produce
antibiotics as a way to compete with other
microorganisms in the environment. By
producing antibiotics, Streptomyces can
inhibit the growth of other microorganisms,
thus allowing it to thrive in a given
environment. The production of antibiotics
is also thought to be a form of
communication between Streptomyces and
other microorganisms, allowing them to
interact and cooperate.