In silico identification of putative drug targets from different metabolic pathways of Aeromonas hydrophila

Aeromonas hydrophila is a major pathogen both of aquatic and terrestrial organisms, including humans. Infection with A. hydrophila results in severe economic losses to the aquaculture industry. In humans, Aeromonas hydrophila infections are known to cause gastroenteritis and wound infections. Investigations for developing a potential vaccine for its control are underway. The availability of the complete sequence information of A. hydrophila strain ATCC 7966T genome has made it possible to carry out the in silico analysis of its genome for various aspects of its biology. Keeping in view the possible risks that A. hydrophila poses to humans, in silico analysis of the A. hydrophila genome was carried out for the identification of potential vaccine and drug targets. Our study revealed 2097 genes which are non-homologous to human genome. Screening these genes using the Database of Essential Genes (DEG) resulted in the identification of 379 genes as essential genes of the bacteria. Further analysis of the identified essential genes, using the Kyoto Encyclopaedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways database, revealed 87 enzymes of A. hydrophila that may be used as drug targets, as they are not present in humans. Of these, 15 enzymes belong to pathways present only in the bacteria, whereas 72 enzymes are from the pathways that are common to both human and the bacteria. These can be used as a platform for further investigation to develop effective drugs against A. hydrophila.