Sphingomonas

Sphingomonas is a genus of bacteria that includes various species, some of which can have an impact on human health and the environment. Here is an overview of how Sphingomonas interacts with human health:

Opportunistic infections: Sphingomonas species, such as S. paucimobilis and S. koreensis, can cause opportunistic infections, particularly in immunocompromised people or those with underlying health conditions. Infections can involve the respiratory tract, bloodstream, or wounds.¹²³
Nosocomial infections: Sphingomonas species can cause hospital-acquired infections, often associated with contaminated water systems or medical devices, such as catheters. Strict infection control measures in healthcare settings are essential to prevent its spread.⁴⁵⁶
Antibiotic resistance: Some Sphingomonas species are antibiotic resistant, complicating infection treatment. These bacteria often possess a natural resistance to a type of antibiotic called aminoglycosides because they lack the specific membrane transporters that allow these antibiotics to enter the cells.⁷⁸

In summary, Sphingomonas bacteria play a dual role in human health and the environment. While they can cause opportunistic and nosocomial infections, they also contribute to biodegradation and bioremediation efforts. Understanding and addressing the risks associated with the presence of Sphingomonas species in your microbiome sample is vital for protecting the delicate balance of your gut microbial ecosystem.

Where to find Sphingomonas in the Chuckling Goat Gut Microbiome Test

You will find your Sphingomonas scores in the “Pathogens” report in your Chuckling Goat Gut Microbiome Test results. Guidance on how to work with pathogens like Sphingomonas will be featured in your Personal Action Plan. Please note that this information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your GP or other qualified health provider if you have any questions about Sphingomonas.

Synonyms: Sphingomonas species, Sphingomonas paucimobilis, Sphingomonas koreensis, Sphingomonas infection

Important disclaimer

The Chuckling Goat Gut Microbiome Handbook is an educational resource built to translate complex science into plain English. The information provided on this page is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your GP or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Always check with your GP for interactions with medications/health conditions before changing your diet or starting to take food supplements.

References

1
Alageel MK, Alromaih SI, Alzahrani MT, Abdulsamad AM. Septic Arthritis Caused by Sphingomonas Paucimobilis in Immunocompetent Patient: Case Report and Literature Review. Cureus. 2022 Feb 13;14(2):e22167. doi: 10.7759/cureus.22167.
2
Alkhatib B, Veytsman E, Klumpp L, Hayes E. Sphingomonas paucimobilis Septic Shock in an Immunocompetent Patient. Cureus. 2022 Jul 10;14(7):e26720. doi: 10.7759/cureus.26720.
3
Johnson RC, Deming C, Conlan S, Zellmer CJ, Michelin AV, Lee-Lin S, Thomas PJ, Park M, Weingarten RA, Less J, Dekker JP, Frank KM, Musser KA, McQuiston JR, Henderson DK, Lau AF, Palmore TN, Segre JA. Investigation of a Cluster of Sphingomonas koreensis Infections. N Engl J Med. 2018 Dec 27;379(26):2529-2539. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa1803238.
4
Rohilla R, Raina D, Singh M, Pandita AK, Patwal S. Evaluation of Sphingomonas paucimobilis as an emerging nosocomial pathogen in a teaching hospital in Uttarakhand. Iran J Microbiol. 2021 Oct;13(5):617-623. doi: 10.18502/ijm.v13i5.7425.
5
Hsueh PR, Teng LJ, Yang PC, Chen YC, Pan HJ, Ho SW, Luh KT. Nosocomial infections caused by Sphingomonas paucimobilis: clinical features and microbiological characteristics. Clin Infect Dis. 1998 Mar;26(3):676-81. doi: 10.1086/514595.
6
Aşkın FN, Erinmez M, Ören AC, Manay AB, Zer Y. Sphingomonas paucimobilis Outbreak a Pediatric Hematology-Oncology Hospital: Epidemiological Investigation and Literature Review of an Emerging Healthcare-Associated Infection. Jpn J Infect Dis. 2022 Jul 22;75(4):374-381. doi: 10.7883/yoken.JJID.2021.661.
7
Vaz-Moreira I, Nunes OC, Manaia CM. Diversity and antibiotic resistance patterns of Sphingomonadaceae isolates from drinking water. Appl Environ Microbiol. 2011 Aug 15;77(16):5697-706. doi: 10.1128/AEM.00579-11.
8
Vanbroekhoven K, Ryngaert A, Bastiaens L, Wattiau P, Vancanneyt M, Swings J, De Mot R, Springael D. Streptomycin as a selective agent to facilitate recovery and isolation of introduced and indigenous Sphingomonas from environmental samples. Environ Microbiol. 2004 Nov;6(11):1123-36. doi: 10.1111/j.1462-2920.2004.00654.x.

Sphingomonas

References

Questions? Talk to a Nutritional Therapist on live chat!

More from The Gut Health Express

As Featured In