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Investigation of putative invasion determinants of Actinobacillus species using comparative genomics

Adina R Bujold1, Andrew E Shure1, Rui Liu1

  • 1Department of Pathobiology, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road East, Guelph N1G 2W1, Ontario, Canada.

Genomics
|January 11, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Genomic analysis of Actinobacillus bacteria reveals key virulence genes. This study enhances understanding of how these Gram-negative bacteria cause disease and invade hosts, impacting animal and human health.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Genomics
  • Bacterial Pathogenesis

Background:

  • Actinobacillus species are Gram-negative bacteria inhabiting mucosal membranes.
  • While some Actinobacillus species are commensals, others cause significant diseases in humans and animals.
  • Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae causes swine pneumonia, but other species exhibit invasive, septicemic properties.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the genetic basis of the invasive phenotype in Actinobacillus species.
  • To perform the first genome-wide study of the Actinobacillus genus.
  • To identify virulence factors contributing to host invasion and tropism.

Main Methods:

  • Whole-genome sequencing of eight Actinobacillus isolates.
  • Pseudogenome assembly and annotation for five isolates.
  • Phylogenetic analysis to determine evolutionary relationships.
  • Utilized the LS-BSR pipeline to detect virulence genes.

Main Results:

  • Phylogenetic analysis showed A. suis isolates clustering with invasive species like A. ureae and A. equuli equuli, distinct from A. pleuropneumoniae.
  • Identified 251 putative virulence genes associated with serum resistance and bacterial invasion.
  • Genome-wide data provides insights into the genetic diversity within the genus.

Conclusions:

  • This study provides the first comprehensive genomic insights into the Actinobacillus genus.
  • The identified virulence genes are crucial for understanding bacterial invasion and host specificity.
  • Findings will aid in developing strategies to combat pathogenic Actinobacillus infections and related genera.
Keywords:
ActinobacillusBioinformaticsComparative genomicsHost-pathogenInvasionSepticemia

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