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Published on: October 15, 2013
First molecular characterization of Burkholderia mallei strains isolated from horses in Mongolia
Yoshiki Ichikawa1, Liushiqi Borjigin2, Batchuluun Enkhtuul3
1Laboratory of Comparative Pathology, Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan.
Abstract:
Glanders, a highly contagious and often fatal disease affecting equids, is caused by Burkholderia mallei. Although sporadic cases of equine glanders have recently been documented in Mongolia, genome sequencing and molecular studies of the bacteria within this region are lacking. This study provided the first molecular characterization of B. mallei isolated from four native Mongolian horses from two different provinces in 2019 and 2022 by applying whole-genome sequencing with two SNP types (previously developed genotyping with 15 SNP markers that provide global coverage of the B. mallei population and the core genome coding SNP typing developed in this study). The Mongolian isolates were located within the L3B1 cluster, which was previously associated with the V-120 strain from Russia. Within the L3B1 cluster shared by neighboring countries, they were in a unique subbranch. In this study, specific SNP markers unique to the Mongolian strains were identified to track these strains using a high-resolution melting analysis (HRMA). This study revealed the unique phylogenetic background of Mongolian strains isolated from the eastern part of Mongolia. HRMA specific to the Mongolian subbranch may contribute to the molecular epidemiological monitoring of glanders in Mongolia and surrounding countries.
Insights
This study presents the first molecular characterization of Burkholderia mallei causing glanders in Mongolian horses. Unique genetic markers were identified for tracking these specific bacterial strains in Mongolia and neighboring regions.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Microbiology
- Genomics
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Glanders is a contagious equine disease caused by Burkholderia mallei.
- Sporadic cases of glanders in Mongolian horses have been reported, but molecular data is scarce.
- Understanding the genetic diversity of B. mallei is crucial for disease control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To perform the first molecular characterization of Burkholderia mallei from Mongolian horses.
- To identify unique genetic markers for Mongolian B. mallei strains.
- To establish a basis for molecular epidemiological monitoring.
Main Methods:
- Whole-genome sequencing of B. mallei isolates from Mongolian horses.
- Application of previously developed 15 SNP markers and a novel core genome coding SNP typing method.
- High-resolution melting analysis (HRMA) for specific SNP marker detection.
Main Results:
- Mongolian B. mallei isolates were placed within the L3B1 cluster, associated with Russian V-120 strain.
- A unique subbranch within the L3B1 cluster was identified for the Mongolian isolates.
- Novel SNP markers specific to Mongolian strains were identified and validated using HRMA.
Conclusions:
- Mongolian B. mallei strains possess a distinct phylogenetic background.
- HRMA targeting unique Mongolian subbranch markers can aid in molecular epidemiological surveillance.
- This research provides tools for monitoring glanders in Mongolia and adjacent areas.
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