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Characterization of Streptococcus suis serotype 2 isolates from China
Weifeng Zhu1, Chao Wu, Xiaomei Sun
1College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, PR China.
Veterinary Microbiology
|July 24, 2013
Summary
Streptococcus suis serotype 2 in China comprises two distinct populations with different evolutionary paths and virulence. Clade 1 is an overlooked population requiring further investigation.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Genomics
Background:
- Streptococcus suis (S. suis) is a significant swine pathogen and a zoonotic agent causing severe human infections.
- Previous studies suggest genetic diversity within S. suis serotype 2, particularly in North American isolates, indicating multiple populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the population structure of S. suis serotype 2 isolates in China.
- To analyze the distribution and selection pressures of key virulence factors (muramidase-released protein, extracellular protein factor, suilysin) across different populations.
- To determine the association between S. suis serotype 2 populations and their virulence.
Main Methods:
- Phylogenetic analysis using 16S rRNA gene typing and multilocus sequence typing (MLST).
- Genotyping of virulence markers: muramidase-released protein (MRP), extracellular protein factor (EF), and suilysin (SLY).
- Analysis of selection pressures on virulence genes and experimental infection models in mice.
Main Results:
- Two distinct clades (populations) were identified within Chinese S. suis serotype 2 isolates.
- These populations exhibited different tissue tropisms and distinct genotypic distributions and selection pressures for MRP, EF, and SLY.
- Significant differences in virulence were observed between the two populations in mouse infection models.
Conclusions:
- Chinese S. suis serotype 2 isolates are structured into at least two divergent populations with distinct evolutionary trajectories.
- Virulence marker gene evolution and selection pressures differ between these populations, contributing to varying disease potential.
- S. suis serotype 2 clade 1 represents a potentially underestimated population warranting further research and surveillance.
