Risk assessment of the bacterium Kerstersia gyiorum

Kerstersia gyiorum belongs to the family of Alcaligenaceae , which includes pathogenic and facultatively pathogenic bacterial species and is widespread in the environment. The bacterium was first identified in 2003 during the analysis of human clinical samples from leg and ankle wounds, feces, and sputum from patients with various Wound infections In a few cases, otherwise healthy individuals also showed signs of K. gyiorum the occurrence of chronic Otitis (middle ear infections). Patients with wound infections, however, had different pre-existing conditions and K. gyiorum often diagnosed as a mixed infection with other species. The exact Pathogenicity mechanism from K. gyiorum and its contribution to the symptoms observed in mixed infections has not yet been clearly clarified. However, genome analyses indicate the presence of various Virulence factors in the bacterium. Infections with K. gyiorum were generally easy to treat.

In the Technical Rules for Biological Agents (TRBA) 466 “Classification of prokaryotes (Bacteria and Archaea)” K. gyiorum assigned to risk group 2.

The ZKBS classifies Kerstersia gyiorum according to Section 5 Paragraph 1 GenTSV in conjunction with the criteria in Annex 1 GenTSV as a donor and recipient organism for genetic engineering work in the Risk group 2 The bacterium is widespread and has occasionally been detected (including in people with healthy immune systems) in the context of wound infections or otitis. The exact contribution of K. gyiorum However, the clinical picture is still unclear.

The complete ZKBS statement can be found at File number 45241.0263 can be retrieved.