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Published on: August 5, 2016
Brucella microti: the genome sequence of an emerging pathogen
Stéphane Audic1, Magali Lescot, Jean-Michel Claverie
1Laboratoire Information Génomique et Structurale, CNRS - UPR2589, Aix-Marseille University, Institut de Microbiologie de la Méditerranée (IM2, IFR-88), Parc Scientifique de Luminy, FR- 13288, Marseille cedex 09, France. stephane.audic@igs.cnrs-mrs.fr
BMC Genomics
|August 6, 2009
Summary
The Brucella microti genome is nearly identical to Brucella suis, despite differing phenotypes. This finding challenges bacterial species definitions and complicates identifying virulence factors.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Genomics
- Alphaproteobacteria
Background:
- Brucella microti, a novel species in the Alphaproteobacteria, exhibits an atypical fast-growing phenotype distinct from other pathogenic Brucella species.
- Its phenotype resembles Ochrobactrum, prompting investigation into genomic similarities and differences.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the complete genome sequence of Brucella microti.
- To compare its genome with other Brucella species and Ochrobactrum to understand its unique characteristics.
Main Methods:
- Whole genome sequencing using a combination of pyrosequencing and Sanger sequencing.
- Comparative genomic analysis.
Main Results:
- The Brucella microti genome consists of two circular chromosomes.
- Genome sequence is 99.84% identical to Brucella suis 1330, with a unique bacteriophage-related insert in B. microti.
- A notable difference was found in the 23S ribosomal RNA gene sequence, potentially explaining its rapid growth.
Conclusions:
- Despite phenotypic differences, Brucella microti's genome is highly similar to other Brucella species, not Ochrobactrum anthropi.
- The genetic basis for B. microti's distinct phenotype requires further investigation.
- Findings challenge the reliance on phenotypic traits for bacterial species definition and impact virulence factor identification.
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