Name: Soh Lee May

Student ID: BBSH22106043

Activity 1: Read the given article and write a short summary of the article. (250 words)

Blastophaga psenes and figs are related to the bacteria Serratia ficaria, which was first
identified in 1979. Although it has been isolated from human clinical specimens on a few
occasions, its pathogenic potential has always been in doubt. The first incidence of S. ficaria-
related gallbladder empyema was documented in 1993. The patient experienced cyanosis,
chills, hypotension, tachycardia, and feverish peaks. After S. ficaria was found in all four
blood cultures, antibiotic therapy was initiated. The diagnostic was validated by the Institut
Pasteur of Paris using Biotype 99 carbon source strips in a study on the utilisation of carbon
sources.

In people with impaired immune systems, S. ficaria is an opportunistic pathogen that can
colonise or cause serious illnesses. It is always resistant to cephalothin but generally
responsive to many antibiotics. B. psenes is the specific hymenopteran that is necessary for
the pollination of the fig tree (Ficus carica). B. psenes is the primary source of human
colonisation; figs have a secondary function. Every isolation happens from May to October,
with July in France seeing the most significant activity.

Figs, fig leaves, B. psenes, common grass, market mushrooms, and ants have all been linked
to the isolation of S. ficaria. Human isolates from respiratory specimens, leg wounds, and
potential oral contamination may be explained by this environmental dissemination. The gut
bacterial flora is the site of infection in cases of septicemia and gallbladder embyema,
indicating that S. ficaria may be a component of the human intestinal flora.

(246 words)