Comparative Screening of Digestion Tract Toxic Genes in Proteus mirabilis
Xiaolu Shi1,2, Yiman Lin2, Yaqun Qiu2
1School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China.
Abstract:
Proteus mirabilis is a common urinary tract pathogen, and may induce various inflammation symptoms. Its notorious ability to resist multiple antibiotics and to form urinary tract stones makes its treatment a long and painful process, which is further challenged by the frequent horizontal gene transferring events in P. mirabilis genomes. Three strains of P. mirabilis C02011/C04010/C04013 were isolated from a local outbreak of a food poisoning event in Shenzhen, China. Our hypothesis is that new genes may have been acquired horizontally to exert the digestion tract infection and toxicity. The functional characterization of these three genomes shows that each of them independently acquired dozens of virulent genes horizontally from the other microbial genomes. The representative strain C02011 induces the symptoms of both vomit and diarrhea, and has recently acquired a complete type IV secretion system and digestion tract toxic genes from the other bacteria.
Insights
Proteus mirabilis strains from a food poisoning outbreak acquired new virulent genes. These acquisitions contribute to digestive tract infections and toxicity, complicating treatment.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Genomics
- Pathogen Research
Background:
- Proteus mirabilis is a common urinary tract pathogen known for antibiotic resistance and stone formation.
- Horizontal gene transfer (HGT) is frequent in P. mirabilis, complicating treatment and potentially driving virulence.
- Three P. mirabilis strains (C02011/C04010/C04013) were isolated from a food poisoning outbreak in Shenzhen, China.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the genomic basis of virulence in P. mirabilis strains isolated from a food poisoning outbreak.
- To determine if horizontal gene acquisition contributed to the pathogenicity of these strains.
- To characterize the specific virulent genes and systems acquired by these P. mirabilis strains.
Main Methods:
- Whole-genome sequencing and functional characterization of three P. mirabilis strains.
- Comparative genomic analysis to identify horizontally acquired genes.
- In vitro or in vivo studies (implied) to assess the virulence of the representative strain.
Main Results:
- Each of the three P. mirabilis strains independently acquired dozens of virulent genes via HGT.
- The representative strain C02011 causes vomiting and diarrhea symptoms.
- Strain C02011 recently acquired a complete type IV secretion system and genes encoding digestive tract toxins.
Conclusions:
- Horizontal gene transfer plays a significant role in the emergence of novel virulence factors in P. mirabilis.
- Acquisition of specific genes, such as type IV secretion systems and toxins, enhances the pathogenic potential of P. mirabilis in causing foodborne illnesses.
- Understanding HGT in P. mirabilis is crucial for developing effective therapeutic strategies against infections caused by this adaptable pathogen.
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