Fig 1.
Smc isolates are versatile and adaptable.
The ability of Smc bacteria to survive in polymicrobial communities, to colonize natural environments like soil and water, and to contaminate surfaces in healthcare settings may contribute to the potential to infect susceptible people and cause disease. Images used to build this figure are freely available and can be modified or adapted under the National Institutes of Health NIH BIOART Source Public Domain License (https://bioart.niaid.nih.gov/bioart/42, https://bioart.niaid.nih.gov/bioart/206, and https://bioart.niaid.nih.gov/bioart/519), Open Clipart Public Domain License, (https://openclipart.org/detail/62785/virus), and Pixabay Content License (https://pixabay.com/vectors/ground-nature-plant-spring-2022491/).
Fig 2.
Smc strains encode proteins that contribute to virulence, survival in external environments, and resistance to antibiotics.
Secreted biofilm products facilitate adherence to abiotic surfaces and eukaryotic cells, while membrane appendages like flagella and pili contribute to motility and adherence. Protein secretion systems export virulence factors and antibacterial proteins. Smc antibiotic efflux pumps and β-lactamases confer resistance to antibiotics, while putative defense systems may prevent phage infections. Siderophores and transport proteins allow iron to be transported into cells. The image used to build this figure is freely available and can be modified or adapted under the National Institutes of Health NIH BIOART Source Public Domain license (https://bioart.niaid.nih.gov/bioart/42).