Pseudomonas fluorescens
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| Pseudomonas fluorescens Migula, 1895 |
Pseudomonas fluorescens is a common Gram-negative, rod-shaped bacterium that secretes a soluble fluorescent pigment called fluorescein. P. fluorescens has multiple flagella. It has an extremely versatile metabolism, and can be found in the soil and in water, where it can cause fin rot in fish. It is an obligate aerobe but certain strains are capable of using nitrate instead of oxygen as a final electron acceptor during cellular respiration.
Optimal temperatures for growth of Pseudomonas fluorescens are 25-30 degrees Celsius. It tests positive for the oxidase test.
Heat stable lipases and proteases are produced by Pseudomonas fluorescens and other similar pseudomonads (Frank 1997). These enzymes cause milk to spoil, by causing bitterness, casein breakdown, and ropiness due to production of slime and coagulation of proteins (Jay 2000, Frank 1997, Ray 1996).
Frank, J.F. 1997. Milk and dairy products. In Food Microbiology, Fundamentals and Frontiers, ed. M.P. Doyle, L.R. Beuchat, T.J. Montville, ASM Press, Washington, p. 101.
Jay, J.M. 2000. Taxonomy, role, and significance of microorganisms in food. In Modern Food Microbiology, Aspen Publishers, Gaithersburg MD, p. 13.
Ray, B. 1996. Spoilage of Specific food groups. In Fundamental Food Microbiology, CRC Press, Boca Raton FL, p. 220.
[edit] Biocontrol properties
Some P.fluorescens strains (CHA0 or Pf5 for example) present biocontrol properties, protecting the roots of some plant species against parasitic fungis (take-all disease) and phytophagous nematodes.
[edit] Medical Properties
From Pseudomonas Fluorescens culturing, an antibiotic, Mupirocin can be producted, found to be useful in treating skin, ear and eye disorders. Mupirocin free acid, its salts and esters are agents, currently used in creams, oniments and sprays as a treatment of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection.
it is also used in milk to make yoghurt.
United States Patents: 6489358, 4873012, 6156792
http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/medicines/100000220.html
