Streptomyces somaliensis is what science assigns to bacteria. For humans, this form of bacteria is usually not pathogenic, but can still cause severe illness if the immune system is weakened. Protective vaccinations are neither possible nor available.
What is Streptomyces somaliensis?
Streptomyces somaliensis grows reticulate in chain-like groups, which earns the bacterium the word suffix “strepto- and “myces.” Streptomyces belong to the actinomycetes. The unique feature of this bacterial form is that it grows in a mycelial arrangement, which makes the formations resemble a fungus-like structure. Bacteriology describes several types of streptomycetes. Streptomyces somaliensis is not counted as a plant or animal because it does not live by photosynthesis (converting light into starch). Streptomyces somaliensis feeds heterotrophically or it takes its food from organic matter. The bacterium is aerobic, which means that its metabolism is oxygen dependent.
Occurrence, distribution, and characteristics
Streptomyces somaliensis is found worldwide and especially in tropical areas of the world. Streptomycetes are distinguished, for example, according to their place of origin. Streptomyces somaliensis occurs particularly often in Somalia, from which the name is derived. Streptomyces somaliensis lives mainly in humus and is formed by the dissolution of dead substances in the natural environment. Thus, Streptomyces somaliensis supports the biological balance. Actinomycetes are also found in the digestive organs of animals, where they serve the natural digestive process. In humans, the microbes native to Somalia can produce purulent foci in organs such as the lungs and gastrointestinal tract. The bacteria enter the organism through inadequate personal hygiene, immune deficiencies, or wounds and form purulent nodules. These can carry the bacteria into the bloodstream and therefore cause a severe infection. A characteristic for the differentiation of bacterial forms is the method of staining according to the Danish scientist Hans-Christian Gram, by which the bacteria are classified by the nature of a cell membrane. Gram-negative microorganisms possess a cell membrane, whereas the Gram-positive ones have at best a shell of murein, but no solid membrane. Streptomyces somaliensis is Gram-positive, which means that it turns blue when Gram stained.
Significance and function
Streptomycetes are generally very important for life in nature, because the dissolution of dead material brings to life various living things, on which people also feed. Also, due to the disposal of decaying matter, the mass occurrence of epidemics is inhibited. Antibiotics are produced from actinomycetes, which are used against certain infections. Actinomycetes are also used as raw material for the production of preparations against fungal diseases. In humans as well as in animals, Streptomyces somaliensis normally lives in the mouth and throat. Sufficient hygiene, protected handling of infectious sites and excreta, and also a good immune defense prevent pathological spread of the bacteria. The conscientious sterilization of small skin cracks, for example, prevents bacterial infections from occurring in the first place. A possible disease would not be transmissible between humans.
Diseases and ailments
Streptomyces somaliensis may 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 are usually seen on the face. They contain weeping, infectious foci in the affected areas of the body that secrete a purulent substance. Without therapy, the infection can even spread to the brain, gastrointestinal tract, and lungs due to the spread of the bacterial foci. An infestation of Streptomyces somaliensis can cause purulent abscesses in the above organs. In the most extreme cases, further progression can be accompanied by serious complications or even death in very immunocompromised affected individuals. A disease is diagnosed by a physician by swabbing infected areas and making a bacterial culture from the sputum. The disease does not heal on its own and should be treated with antibiotics, e.g., antibiotics.B. aminopenicillin, over the period of a few months or a year and is thus curable. If the disease enters the bloodstream, it can become life-threatening and recurrent. A vaccine against Streptomyces somaliensis is not available. Middle-aged people, men, and those forced to live in inhumane conditions are primarily affected. A weakened immune system, also due to malnutrition, old age, and disease present for a prolonged period of time can exacerbate the course.
