Symbiontic bacteria of parasitic flies as human pathogens

Wohlfahrtsmonas chitiniclastica was first published in 2008 as symbiotic bacterium of flies of the species Wohlfahrtia magnifica described. W. chitiniclastica are gram-negative, non-motile, strictly aerobic, rod-shaped gammaproteobacteria from the family Ignatzschineriaceae . W. chitiniclastica occurs worldwide as a symbiont of parasitic flies It is present in tropical climates, but has also been detected in soils. The species is described as a pathogen of animals and humans, with the pathogen usually being transmitted through infestation with fly maggots, the so-called Myiasis is transferred.

In the clinical context, infections with W. chitiniclastica frequently in patients with addiction disorders, poor socioeconomic living conditions and/or poor hygiene (often homeless), as well as in patients in need of care, neurologically or motorically ill patients without nursing care. In open wounds, parasitic flies caused myiasis in these patients and thus led to the transmission of W. chitiniclastica . Subsequently, the patients showed infections of the skin and soft tissue as well as Bloodstream infections and necrosis. The infections were generally easy to treat.

W. chitiniclastica has also been identified as a causative agent of bloodstream and skin infections in animals (e.g., deer, cows, zebras). The virulence mechanisms of W. chitiniclastica in human or animal infections have not yet been conclusively clarified. The Technical Rules for Biological Agents (TRBA) 666 "Classification of Prokaryotes (Bacteria and Archaea)" W. chitiniclastica classified in risk group 1 with the addition “ht+”.

The ZKBS classifies Wohlfahrtsmonas chitiniclastica 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 because the bacterium can cause severe illnesses in humans as a result of myiasis. During genetic engineering work, infection through direct contact with open wounds and cuts cannot be ruled out. The resulting illnesses are generally easily treatable.

The ZKBS statement can be found at File number 45241.0265 can be retrieved.