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Published on: September 11, 2020
Comparative genome analysis of Streptococcus strains to identify virulent genes causing neonatal meningitis
Jasmine Arya1, Divya Sharma1, Dev Kumar1
1Centre for Bioinformatics, Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak, Haryana, India.
Aim:
To determine Streptococcus agalactiae genes responsible for causing neonatal meningitis.
Background:
Streptococcus agalactiae strain 2603 V/R is causative agent of neonatal meningitis, maternal infection and sepsis in young children. World health organisation reported high burden of new born death caused by this bacterium. Streptococcus agalactiae colonizing epithelial cells of vagina and endothelial cells have high resistance to available antibiotic drugs which makes it essential to determine new drug targets.
Objectives:
To compare the genome of selected strain with the non-pathogenic strains of streptococcus and identify the virulent and antibiotic resistant genes for adaptation in host environment.
Method:
The whole genome of human pathogen Streptococcus agalactiae strain 2603 V/R was analysed and compared with Streptococcus dysgalactiae strains using visualization and annotation tools. Genomic islands, mobile genetic elements, virulent and resistant genes were studied.
Results:
Genetically pathogenic strain is most similar to Streptococcus dysgalactiae subsp. equisimilis strain NCTC 7136. Comparative analysis revealed the importance of capsular polysaccharides and surface proteins responsible for avoiding immune system attachment to host epithelial cells and virulent behaviour. High number of genes coding for antibiotics resistance may provide a competitive advantage for survival of pathogenic Streptococcus agalactiae strain 2603 V/R in its niche.
Conclusions:
The comparative analysis of pathogenic strain Streptococcus agalactiae with non-pathogenic strains of Streptococcus dysgalactiae provided new insights in pathogenicity that could aid in recognization for new regions and genes for development of new drug development strategies considering presence of high number of resistance genes.
Insights
This study identified genes in Streptococcus agalactiae responsible for neonatal meningitis by comparing its genome with non-pathogenic strains. Findings highlight capsular polysaccharides and antibiotic resistance genes crucial for virulence and host adaptation.
Area of Science:
- Genomics
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Streptococcus agalactiae strain 2603V/R causes neonatal meningitis, maternal infections, and sepsis, posing a significant global health burden.
- This bacterium exhibits high antibiotic resistance, necessitating the identification of novel drug targets.
- Colonization of epithelial cells by Streptococcus agalactiae contributes to its pathogenic potential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify specific genes in Streptococcus agalactiae responsible for neonatal meningitis.
- To compare the genome of a pathogenic strain with non-pathogenic Streptococcus strains.
- To identify virulence and antibiotic resistance genes enabling host adaptation.
Main Methods:
- Whole-genome analysis of Streptococcus agalactiae strain 2603V/R.
- Comparative genomics with Streptococcus dysgalactiae strains using visualization and annotation tools.
- Investigation of genomic islands, mobile genetic elements, and genes related to virulence and antibiotic resistance.
Main Results:
- The pathogenic strain showed highest similarity to Streptococcus dysgalactiae subsp. equisimilis NCTC 7136.
- Capsular polysaccharides and surface proteins were identified as key factors for immune evasion and virulence.
- A significant number of antibiotic resistance genes were found, potentially conferring a survival advantage.
Conclusions:
- Comparative genomic analysis provides insights into Streptococcus agalactiae pathogenicity.
- Identified genes and genomic regions can inform the development of new therapeutic strategies.
- The high prevalence of antibiotic resistance genes underscores the need for novel drug development approaches.
