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Published on: September 27, 2018
Genomic features of Mycobacterium avium subsp. hominissuis isolated from pigs in Japan
Tetsuya Komatsu1, Kenji Ohya2,3, Atsushi Ota4
1Aichi Prefectural Chuo Livestock Hygiene Service Center, Okazaki, Aichi, Japan.
Abstract:
Mycobacterium avium subsp. hominissuis (MAH) is one of the most important agents causing non-tuberculosis mycobacterial infection in humans and pigs. There have been advances in genome analysis of MAH from human isolates, but studies of isolates from pigs are limited despite its potential source of infection to human. Here, we obtained 30 draft genome sequences of MAH from pigs reared in Japan. The 30 draft genomes were 4,848,678-5,620,788 bp in length, comprising 4652-5388 coding genes and 46-75 (median: 47) tRNAs. All isolates had restriction modification-associated genes and 185-222 predicted virulence genes. Two isolates had tRNA arrays and one isolate had a clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR) region. Our results will be useful for evaluation of the ecology of MAH by providing a foundation for genome-based epidemiological studies.
Insights
This study presents draft genome sequences for Mycobacterium avium subsp. hominissuis (MAH) from pigs in Japan. These findings provide a foundation for understanding MAH ecology and epidemiology in swine, a potential source of human infection.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Genomics
- Veterinary Science
Background:
- Mycobacterium avium subsp. hominissuis (MAH) is a significant cause of non-tuberculosis mycobacterial infections in humans and pigs.
- Limited genomic data exists for MAH isolates from pigs, hindering understanding of its role as a potential infection source.
Purpose of the Study:
- To generate and analyze draft genome sequences of MAH isolates from pigs in Japan.
- To provide a genomic foundation for epidemiological studies of MAH in swine populations.
Main Methods:
- Obtained 30 draft genome sequences of MAH from Japanese pig isolates.
- Analyzed genome size, coding genes, tRNA content, restriction modification-associated genes, and virulence genes.
- Identified unique genomic features such as tRNA arrays and CRISPR regions in specific isolates.
Main Results:
- The 30 draft genomes ranged from 4,848,678 to 5,620,788 bp, with 4652-5388 coding genes and 46-75 tRNAs.
- All isolates possessed restriction modification-associated genes and 185-222 predicted virulence genes.
- Two isolates featured tRNA arrays, and one isolate contained a CRISPR region.
Conclusions:
- The genomic data provides valuable insights into MAH strains circulating in Japanese pigs.
- This study establishes a basis for future genome-based epidemiological and ecological investigations of MAH.
- Understanding swine MAH genomics is crucial for assessing its transmission dynamics and public health implications.
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