Genetic characterization of Chromobacterium isolates from black water environments in the Brazilian Amazon

Abstract

Aims: To isolate and to characterize the diversity of Chromobacterium violaceum from the Brazilian Amazon region. Methods and Results: Twenty-two isolates were obtained from the waters and banks of the river Negro, in the Brazilian Amazon. All isolates were able to grow in vitro at 44°C and pH 4AE0, but were adversely affected by temperatures below 15°C, and unable to survive at 4°C, properties that may be related to the adaptation to the ecosystem. The isolates were joined at a final level of similarity of only 13% in the rep-PCR analysis. The analysis of 16S rRNA genes resulted in three main groups clustered at a final level of similarity of 97% and only three isolates were clustered with the type strain. Similar data were obtained for the 23S rRNA gene. Conclusions: A high level of genetic diversity was verified with indications that the Brazilian isolates would fit into at least two new clusters besides C. violaceum species. Significance and Impact of the Study: The results show remarkable bacterial adaptability and genetic diversity of C. violaceum in the Amazon region.

Prokaryotic Diversity of the Tucuruí Hydropower Plant Reservoir in the Brazilian Amazon

“…Despite the current knowledge of the megadiversity of animals and plants in the Amazon, little is known about the microbial diversity (Borneman & Triplett, 1997;Fiore et al, 2005;Hungria et al, 2005;Fierer & Jackson, 2006;Lima-Bittencourt, 2007).…”

Physiological and taxonomic description of the novel autotrophic, metal oxidizing bacterium, Pseudogulbenkiania sp. strain 2002

“…From among the environmentally relevant genera of the Nesseriaceae, Chromobacterium spp. are frequently identified in freshwater aquatic environments, soils, and sediments (Corpe 1951;Gillis & Logan 2005;Hungria et al 2005;Thomsen et al 2007;Weber et al 2006c). The metabolic versatility of Chromobacterium spp., specifically C. violaceum, has resulted in a variety of industrial applications (Vasconcelos et al 2003).…”

“…Strain 2002 was described as a member of the family Nesseriaceae (Weber et al 2006b). This family is comprised of organisms commonly identified as environmental bacteria as well as mammalian, avian, and invertebrate pathogens and commensals (Corpe 1951;Gillis & Logan 2005;Hungria et al 2005;Thomsen et al 2007;Weber et al 2006c). From among the environmentally relevant genera of the Nesseriaceae, Chromobacterium spp.…”

Genetic variability in isolates of Chromobacterium violaceum from pulmonary secretion, water, and soil

“…Chromobacterium violaceum is a Gram-negative bacillus usually found in the water and soil in tropical regions, especially in the Negro river and its banks in the Brazilian Amazon (Hungria et al, 2005). The colonies of C. violaceum are purple colored, due to a colored pigment produced by the bacteria under aerobic conditions.…”