The spelling of the word "Comamonas" is derived from the Greek roots "comos" (meaning "hairy") and "monas" (meaning "one"), which translates to "a hairy single organism". In terms of phonetic transcription, the word is pronounced as kəˈmɑmənəs, with the stress on the second syllable. The emphasized syllable is pronounced with an unstressed vowel, while the final syllable ends with a schwa sound. Comamonas is a genus of aerobic gram-negative bacteria commonly found in soil and water environments.
Comamonas is a genus of aerobic, Gram-negative, rod-shaped bacteria primarily found in various aquatic environments, including freshwater and wastewater habitats. This genus belongs to the family Comamonadaceae within the class Betaproteobacteria. The name "Comamonas" is derived from the Greek words "kome," meaning hair, and "monas," meaning a single unit or organism, referring to the hair-like structure observed on the bacterial cells.
Species within the Comamonas genus are known for their diverse metabolic capabilities, enabling them to utilize a wide range of carbon sources for growth. They play significant roles in both natural and engineered environments, where they contribute to the degradation of various organic substances. Comamonas species are often involved in the bioremediation process as they possess enzymatic activities that enable them to degrade pollutants and recalcitrant compounds.
Moreover, certain members of the Comamonas genus have been associated with human infections, particularly in immunocompromised individuals. They may cause opportunistic infections such as urinary tract infections, bacteremia, and pneumonia. Identification of Comamonas species typically involves molecular techniques, such as sequencing and phylogenetic analysis, along with selective culture media.
In summary, Comamonas is a diverse genus of bacteria found in aquatic environments. Their metabolic abilities allow them to break down organic compounds, contributing to bioremediation processes. While typically harmless, some species can cause infections in vulnerable individuals.
The word "Comamonas" has Greek origins. It comes from the combination of two Greek words: "kómos" (κόμος) meaning "hair" and "monás" (μονάς) meaning "a unit" or "a single entity". Therefore, "Comamonas" literally translates to "a single entity of hair".