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Complete Genome Sequence of Pigmentation-Negative Yersinia pestis Strain Cadman
Sean Lovett1, Kitty Chase2, Galina Koroleva1
1Center for Genome Sciences, U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Fort Detrick, Frederick, Maryland, USA.
Abstract:
Here, we report the genome sequence of Yersinia pestis strain Cadman, an attenuated strain lacking the pgm locus. Y. pestis is the causative agent of plague and generally must be worked with under biosafety level 3 (BSL-3) conditions. However, strains lacking the pgm locus are considered safe to work with under BSL-2 conditions.
Insights
We sequenced the Yersinia pestis Cadman strain, an attenuated plague bacterium lacking the pgm locus. This genetic feature allows for safer laboratory work under Biosafety Level 2 conditions, reducing risks associated with plague research.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Genomics
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Yersinia pestis is the bacterium responsible for causing plague.
- Standard handling of Y. pestis requires stringent Biosafety Level 3 (BSL-3) containment.
- The pgm locus is a key virulence factor in Y. pestis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report the genome sequence of the attenuated Yersinia pestis strain Cadman.
- To characterize the genetic basis for the attenuation of strain Cadman.
- To assess the implications of the pgm locus absence for laboratory safety protocols.
Main Methods:
- Whole-genome sequencing of Yersinia pestis strain Cadman.
- Bioinformatic analysis of the obtained genome sequence.
- Comparison with known Y. pestis genomes and virulence factors.
Main Results:
- The genome sequence of Yersinia pestis strain Cadman was successfully determined.
- Strain Cadman was confirmed to lack the pgm locus, a known virulence determinant.
- The absence of the pgm locus is associated with reduced pathogenicity.
Conclusions:
- The genome sequence of Yersinia pestis strain Cadman provides valuable genomic data.
- The lack of the pgm locus in strain Cadman renders it a safer alternative for research.
- This finding supports the use of pgm-negative strains under Biosafety Level 2 (BSL-2) conditions, simplifying plague research.
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