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Intracranial Subarachnoidal Route of Infection for Investigating Roles of Streptococcus suis Biofilms in Meningitis in a Mouse Infection Model
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Comparative genomic analysis shows that Streptococcus suis meningitis isolate SC070731 contains a unique 105K genomic

Zongfu Wu1, Weixue Wang1, Min Tang1

  • 1College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; Key Lab of Animal Bacteriology, Ministry of Agriculture, Nanjing 210095, China; OIE Reference Lab for Swine Streptococcosis, Nanjing 210095, China.

Gene
|December 10, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Streptococcus suis (SS) genome sequencing reveals a unique genomic island in a meningitis-causing strain. This island contains genes potentially enhancing bacterial fitness and virulence, offering new insights into SS pathogenesis.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Genomics
  • Veterinary Medicine

Background:

  • Streptococcus suis (SS) is a significant global swine pathogen causing meningitis in pigs and humans.
  • The pathogenic mechanisms underlying SS infections remain incompletely understood.
  • Understanding SS virulence is crucial for both animal and public health.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide the complete genome sequence of Streptococcus suis serotype 2 (SS2) strain SC070731, isolated from a pig with meningitis.
  • To identify genetic factors contributing to SS virulence and pathogenesis.
  • To facilitate comparative genomic analysis with other SS2 strains.

Main Methods:

  • Whole-genome sequencing of SS2 strain SC070731.
  • Bioinformatic analysis to predict protein-coding sequences and identify virulence-associated genes.
  • Comparative genomics to detect unique genomic regions.
  • Virulence assessment using a zebrafish infection model.

Main Results:

  • The SS2 SC070731 genome is 2,138,568 bp with 1933 predicted protein-coding sequences.
  • A unique 105K genomic island was identified in strain SC070731, absent in other sequenced SS2 strains.
  • This island contains a nisin locus, a prophage, and antibiotic resistance genes, and contributes to bacterial fitness and virulence.

Conclusions:

  • The genome sequence of SS2 SC070731 provides a valuable resource for studying SS pathogenesis.
  • The unique 105K genomic island is a key finding, potentially harboring novel virulence factors.
  • Further research into the identified gene products, including putative new surface proteins, is warranted to elucidate SS pathogenesis.
Keywords:
CDSCSFGIGenomic islandHTPHistidine triad proteinsISLC–MSNisinPIPhageSS2STSSStreptococcus suis serotype 2TAVirulencecerebrospinal fluidcoding sequencesgenomic islandinsertion sequencesliquid chromatography–mass spectrometrypathogenicity islandstreptococcal toxic shock syndrometoxin–antitoxin

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