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Updated: Mar 7, 2026
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Characterization of a Pathogenic Escherichia coli Strain Derived from Oreochromis spp. Farms Using Whole-Genome Sequencing
Published on: December 23, 2022
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Comparative genomic analysis of the genus Enterococcus.
Zhi Zhong1, Wenyi Zhang1, Yuqin Song1
1Key Laboratory of Dairy Biotechnology and Engineering, Ministry of Education, Department of Food Science and Engineering, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia 010018, PR China.
Microbiological Research
|February 7, 2017
Summary
Comparative genomic analysis of Enterococcus species reveals habitat influences evolution. Humans and mammals may be original hosts, with subsequent host-shifts to other environments, impacting their genetic diversity.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Genomics
- Evolutionary Biology
Background:
- Enterococcus species are vital in fermented foods but include opportunistic pathogens, necessitating safety assessments.
- Recent discoveries of new Enterococcus species highlight the need for understanding their genetic relationships and evolutionary history.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a comparative genomic analysis of 37 Enterococcus strains.
- To elucidate the evolutionary pathways and genetic diversity within the Enterococcus genus.
Main Methods:
- Whole-genome sequencing of 29 type strains.
- Comparative genomic analysis incorporating 8 additional complete genomes from GenBank.
- Core- and pan-genome analysis.
- Phylogenetic and time-tree construction.
Main Results:
- Enterococcus genomes average 3.20Mb with 37.99% GC content.
- The core-genome comprises 605 genes, predominantly involved in metabolism.
- Phylogenetic analysis indicates habitat significantly shapes Enterococcus evolution, with closer relationships among strains from similar environments.
- Evolutionary modeling suggests humans and mammals as ancestral hosts, followed by host-shifts to plants, birds, and food sources.
Conclusions:
- Comparative genomics offers insights into Enterococcus evolution and genetic diversity.
- Habitat plays a crucial role in the evolutionary trajectory of Enterococcus species.
- The proposed evolutionary scenario requires further investigation with additional data.
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