Streptomyces somaliensis science attributes to bacteria. As a rule, this form of bacteria is not pathogenic for humans, but it can nevertheless trigger a serious illness if the immune system is weakened. Vaccinations are neither possible nor available.
What is Streptomyces Somaliensis?
Streptomyces somaliensis grows like a network in chain-like groups, which brings the bacterium the words "Strepto- and" myces ". Streptomycetes belong to the actinomycetes. The unique thing about this bacterial form is that it grows in a mycelium-shaped manner, which makes the structures resemble a mushroom-like structure.
Bacteriology describes several types of streptomycetes. Streptomyces somaliensis is not counted among the plants or animals because it does not live through photosynthesis (conversion of light into strength). Streptomyces somaliensis feeds heterotrophically or it takes its food from organic substances. The bacterium is aerobic, which means that its metabolism is dependent on oxygen.
Occurrence, Distribution & Properties
Streptomyces somaliensis occurs worldwide and especially in tropical areas of the world. Streptomycetes are z. B. differentiated according to their place of origin. Streptomyces somaliensis occurs particularly often in Somalia, from which the name is derived.
Streptomyces somaliensis mainly lives in the humus and is formed by the dissolution of dead substances in the natural environment. Streptomyces somaliensis thereby supports the biological balance.
Actinomycetes are also found in the digestive organs of animals, where they are used for the natural digestive process. The microbes native to Somalia can create purulent foci in organs such as the lungs and gastrointestinal tract in humans.
As a result of insufficient personal hygiene, a weak immune system or wounds, the bacteria enter the organism and form purulent nodes. These can move the bacteria into the bloodstream and cause a serious infection.
A characteristic for differentiating bacterial forms is the method of staining according to the Danish scientist Hans-Christian Gram, with which the bacteria are classified based on the nature of a cell membrane. Gram-negative microorganisms have a cell membrane, whereas the gram-positive microorganisms at most have a shell made of murein, but no solid membrane. Streptomyces somaliensis is gram-positive, which means that it turns blue when gram stained.
Meaning & function
Streptomycetes are generally very important for the vitalization of nature, since the dissolution of dead material gives life to various living beings, on which humans also feed. The mass occurrence of epidemics is also inhibited due to the disposal of the decaying substances.
Actinomycetes are used to make antibiotics that are used against certain infections. Actinomycetes also serve as a raw element for the production of preparations against fungal diseases.
In humans and animals, Streptomyces somaliensis normally lives in the mouth and throat. Sufficient hygiene, the protected handling of infectious areas and excretions and also a good immune defense prevent the pathological spread of the bacteria. The conscientious germ-freeing of small cracks in the skin prevents bacterial infections from developing in the first place. A possible disease would not be communicable between people.
Illnesses & ailments
Streptomyces somaliensis can be involved in actinomycosis, a mixed infection with actinomycetes. This is a tropical disease with an incubation period of several months or years. Initially, nodular juxtaposed drusen appear, which can usually be seen on the face. They contain weeping, infectious foci in the affected body regions, which secrete a purulent substance. Without therapy, the infection can even spread to the brain, gastrointestinal tract and lungs through the spread of bacterial foci.
An infestation by Streptomyces somaliensis can cause purulent abscesses in the organs mentioned. In the most extreme case, the further course can be associated with serious complications or even death in very immunocompromised people.
A doctor can diagnose an illness by swabbing infected areas and creating a bacterial culture from the sputum. The condition does not heal on its own and should be treated with antibiotics, e.g. B. aminopenicillin, can be treated over a period of a few months or a year and is therefore curable. If the disease gets into the bloodstream, it can become life-threatening and keep coming back.
A vaccine against Streptomyces somaliensis is not available. Middle-aged people, men and those who have to live in inhuman conditions are primarily affected. A weakened immune defense, also caused by malnutrition, age and an illness that has been present for a long time can worsen the course.
