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Updated: Dec 31, 2025
Identification of Rare Bacterial Pathogens by 16S rRNA Gene Sequencing and MALDI-TOF MS
Published on: July 11, 2016
Identification and pathogenicity analysis of Streptococcus equinus FMD1, a beta-hemolytic strain isolated from forest
Wei Zhao1, Dong Yu1, JianGuo Cheng2
1College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang 611130, Sichuan Province, China.
Abstract:
Streptococcus spp. cause a wide range of diseases in animals and humans. A Streptococcus strain (FMD1) was isolated from forest musk deer lung. To identify the bacterium at the species level and investigate its pathogenicity, whole genome sequencing and experimental infections of mice were performed. The genome had 97.63% average nucleotide identity with the S. equinus strain. Through virulence gene analysis, a beta-hemolysin/cytolysin genome island was found in the FMD1 genome, which contained 12 beta-hemolysin/cytolysin-related genes. Hemolytic reaction and histopathological analysis established the strain's pathogenicity in mice. This is the first report of a beta-hemolytic S. equinus strain in forest musk deer identified based on phenotypic and genotypic analyzes; this strategy could be useful for analyzing pathogens affecting rare animals.
Insights
A novel beta-hemolytic Streptococcus equinus strain was identified in forest musk deer. This finding highlights potential pathogens in rare wildlife and demonstrates a useful strategy for pathogen analysis.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Microbiology
- Genomics
- Pathogen Discovery
Background:
- Streptococcus species are significant pathogens affecting both animals and humans.
- The isolation of a novel Streptococcus strain (FMD1) from forest musk deer lung necessitates detailed characterization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify the isolated Streptococcus strain at the species level.
- To investigate the pathogenicity of the FMD1 strain.
- To establish a methodology for pathogen analysis in rare animal species.
Main Methods:
- Whole genome sequencing was employed for bacterial identification and virulence gene analysis.
- Experimental infections in mice were conducted to assess pathogenicity.
- Phenotypic (hemolytic reaction) and genotypic analyses were performed.
Main Results:
- The FMD1 strain was identified as Streptococcus equinus, sharing 97.63% average nucleotide identity with known strains.
- A beta-hemolysin/cytolysin genome island with 12 related genes was identified in the FMD1 genome.
- Hemolytic activity and histopathological findings confirmed the strain's pathogenicity in a mouse model.
Conclusions:
- This study reports the first beta-hemolytic Streptococcus equinus strain isolated from forest musk deer.
- The identified strain possesses pathogenic potential, indicated by its virulence genes and experimental infection results.
- The combined phenotypic and genotypic analytical strategy is effective for studying pathogens in rare wildlife.
