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Updated: Nov 29, 2025
Heuristic Mining of Hierarchical Genotypes and Accessory Genome Loci in Bacterial Populations
Published on: December 7, 2021
Population structure of Salmonella enterica serotype Mbandaka reveals similar virulence potential irrespective of
Linto Antony1,2, Gavin Fenske1,2, Radhey S Kaushik3
1Department of Veterinary & Biomedical Sciences, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD, 57007, USA.
Abstract:
Background: Salmonella enterica serotype Mbandaka ( Salmonella ser. Mbandaka) is a multi-host adapted Non-typhoidal Salmonella (NTS) that can cause foodborne illnesses in human. Outbreaks of Salmonella ser. Mbandaka contributed to the economic stress caused by NTS due to hospitalizations. Whole genome sequencing (WGS)-based phylogenomic analysis facilitates better understanding of the genomic features that may expedite the foodborne spread of Salmonella ser. Mbandaka. Methods: In the present study, we define the population structure, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and virulence profile of Salmonella ser. Mbandaka using WGS data of more than 400 isolates collected from different parts of the world. We validated the genotypic prediction of AMR and virulence phenotypically using an available set of representative isolates. Results: Phylogenetic analysis of Salmonella ser. Mbandaka using Bayesian approaches revealed clustering of the population into two major groups; however, clustering of these groups and their subgroups showed no pattern based on the host or geographical origin. Instead, we found a uniform virulence gene repertoire in all isolates. Phenotypic analysis on a representative set of isolates showed a similar trend in cell invasion behavior and adaptation to a low pH environment. Both genotypic and phenotypic analysis revealed the carriage of multidrug resistance (MDR) genes in Salmonella ser. Mbandaka. Conclusions: Overall, our results show that the presence of multidrug resistance along with adaptation to broad range of hosts and uniformity in the virulence potential, isolates of Salmonella ser. Mbandaka from any source could have the potential to cause foodborne outbreaks as well as AMR dissemination.
Insights
Salmonella Mbandaka, a foodborne pathogen, shows uniform virulence and widespread multidrug resistance. This adaptability across hosts and environments increases its potential for causing outbreaks and spreading antimicrobial resistance globally.
Area of Science:
- Foodborne Pathogen Genomics
- Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)
- Population Genetics
Background:
- Non-typhoidal Salmonella (NTS) like Salmonella serotype Mbandaka cause significant foodborne illnesses and economic burden.
- Understanding the genomic basis of Salmonella ser. Mbandaka's spread is crucial for public health interventions.
- Whole genome sequencing (WGS) offers insights into pathogen evolution and transmission dynamics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To define the population structure, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and virulence profile of Salmonella ser. Mbandaka.
- To investigate genomic features contributing to the foodborne spread of Salmonella ser. Mbandaka.
- To correlate genotypic findings with phenotypic characteristics.
Main Methods:
- Phylogenomic analysis of over 400 Salmonella ser. Mbandaka isolates using Bayesian approaches.
- Whole genome sequencing (WGS) data analysis for AMR and virulence genes.
- Phenotypic validation of genotypic predictions for AMR and virulence traits.
Main Results:
- Phylogenetic analysis revealed two major population clusters without clear host or geographical patterns.
- A uniform virulence gene repertoire was observed across all isolates.
- Both genotypic and phenotypic analyses confirmed the presence of multidrug resistance (MDR) genes and consistent cell invasion/low pH adaptation.
Conclusions:
- Salmonella ser. Mbandaka exhibits multidrug resistance and consistent virulence potential.
- Its broad host adaptation and uniform virulence suggest a high potential for causing foodborne outbreaks.
- These findings highlight the risk of AMR dissemination associated with Salmonella ser. Mbandaka.
