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Staphylococcus ratti sp. nov. Isolated from a Lab Rat
Vojtěch Kovařovic1, Ivo Sedláček2, Petr Petráš3
1Department of Experimental Biology, Division of Genetics and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kotlářská 2, 611 37 Brno, Czech Republic.
Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland)
|January 21, 2022
Summary
A new bacterial species, Staphylococcus ratti, was identified in laboratory rats. This finding is crucial for understanding zoonotic potential and antimicrobial resistance reservoirs in staphylococci.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Bacterial Taxonomy
- Genomics
Background:
- Staphylococci within the Staphylococcus intermedius-Staphylococcus hyicus group are significant animal pathogens.
- These bacteria serve as reservoirs for virulence factors and antimicrobial resistance genes.
- Their zoonotic potential necessitates detailed characterization of these strains.
Purpose of the Study:
- To taxonomically characterize a coagulase-negative staphylococcal strain, NRL/St 03/464T, isolated from a laboratory rat.
- To determine if this strain represents a novel species within the Staphylococcus genus.
Main Methods:
- A polyphasic taxonomic approach was employed, integrating 16S rRNA sequencing, MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry, and biochemical tests (urea hydrolysis, beta-glucuronidase).
- Digital DNA-DNA hybridization and average nucleotide identity calculations were performed.
- Whole-genome sequencing and expert annotation were utilized to identify genetic elements.
Main Results:
- The strain NRL/St 03/464T was phenotypically and phylogenetically distinct from known Staphylococcus species, with Staphylococcus chromogenes as its closest relative.
- Digital DNA-DNA hybridization (<35.3%) and average nucleotide identity (<81.4%) confirmed its status as a new species.
- Genomic analysis revealed novel genetic elements, including plasmids, prophages, genomic islands, and a composite transposon.
Conclusions:
- The strain NRL/St 03/464T represents a novel species, proposed as Staphylococcus ratti sp. nov.
- This discovery contributes to the understanding of staphylococcal diversity and potential zoonotic agents.
- The identified genetic elements may play a role in bacterial adaptation and survival.
