Outer membrane protein A (OmpA) of extraintestinal pathogenic Escherichia coli

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Characterization of a Pathogenic Escherichia coli Strain Derived from Oreochromis spp. Farms Using Whole-Genome Sequencing
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Characterization of a Pathogenic Escherichia coli Strain Derived from Oreochromis spp. Farms Using Whole-Genome Sequencing

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Daniel W Nielsen1,2, Nicole Ricker2,3, Nicolle L Barbieri4

  • 1Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Preventive Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, 1802 University Blvd, Ames, IA, 50011, USA.

BMC Research Notes
|February 2, 2020
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Outer membrane protein A (OmpA) variations in extraintestinal pathogenic E. coli (ExPEC) were analyzed. OmpA sequence differences may impact ExPEC virulence and host specificity across different strains.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Genetics
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Extraintestinal pathogenic E. coli (ExPEC) cause significant human and animal diseases, including neonatal meningitis (NMEC), avian infections (APEC), and urinary tract infections (UPEC).
  • Outer membrane protein A (OmpA) is a key virulence factor in NMEC, aiding in blood-brain barrier traversal and bloodstream persistence.
  • OmpA exhibits amino acid variability, potentially affecting ExPEC virulence and vaccine efficacy, yet these variations remain largely uncharacterized in ExPEC.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the sequence diversity of the OmpA protein within various ExPEC strains.
  • To determine if OmpA polymorphisms correlate with specific ExPEC subpathotypes or virulence characteristics.

Main Methods:

  • Sequencing of the ompA gene from 399 ExPEC isolates.
  • In silico translation of sequenced ompA genes to analyze OmpA protein sequences.
  • Statistical analysis to identify associations between OmpA polymorphism patterns and ExPEC subpathotypes.

Main Results:

  • Twenty-five distinct OmpA polymorphism patterns were identified among the sequenced ExPEC isolates.
  • Seven of these OmpA patterns showed a significant association with specific ExPEC subpathotypes.
  • While chromosomal history likely explains some variation, OmpA sequence differences suggest a role in ExPEC virulence and host specificity.

Conclusions:

  • OmpA exhibits significant sequence diversity within ExPEC collections.
  • These OmpA variations are potentially linked to differences in virulence and host adaptation among ExPEC strains.
  • Further research into OmpA polymorphisms could inform the development of more effective ExPEC vaccines.
Keywords:
APECEscherichia coliExtraintestinal pathogenic E. coli (ExPEC)NMECOmpAUPEC

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