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Genome and pathogenicity analysis of Helicobacter mastomyrinus isolated from mice
Zhu Liqi1,2,3, Liang Yuanyuan1,2, Yang Linghan1,2
1College of Veterinary Medicine, Institute of Comparative Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China.
Abstract:
The increasing attention given to the potential risk offered by enterohepatic Helicobacter species to the well-being of human beings and animals is of significant importance. Helicobacter mastomyrinus (H. mastomyrinus), a bacterium predominantly associated with rodents, has been implicated in liver and intestinal pathologies. Here, a strain of H. mastomyrinus, designated as Hm-17 (GenBank: CP145316.1), was isolated from asymptomatic C57BL/6 mice. Subsequently, an in-depth and comprehensive investigation was undertaken, which included genome sequencing analysis, micro-biochemical identification, evaluation of growth characteristic, cytotoxicity assessment, and testing of animal pathogenicity. The analysis of 16 S rRNA reveals a close phylogenetic relationship between H. mastomyrinus and H. canadensis. However, core-pan genome analysis and an evaluation of pathogenic factors indicates a more robust association between H. mastomyrinus and H. hepaticus. Cytotoxicity analysis revealed that Hm-17 exhibits robust cytolethal distending toxin (CDT) activity, inducing pronounced cellular swelling and death. Furthermore, Hm-17 infection in BALB/c mice results in rapid and characteristic focal necrotic hepatitis. Genome sequencing and pathogenicity analysis indicate that H. mastomyrinus isolates from asymptomatic mice possess significant pathogenic potential. These findings underscore the need for further investigation into the epidemiology and mechanisms of pathogenesis associated with this organism.
Insights
Helicobacter mastomyrinus, a rodent bacterium, can cause liver and intestinal disease. Even isolates from healthy mice show significant pathogenic potential, including cytolethal distending toxin activity and hepatitis.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Pathogenesis
- Genomics
Background:
- Enterohepatic Helicobacter species pose risks to humans and animals.
- Helicobacter mastomyrinus (H. mastomyrinus) is linked to liver and intestinal issues, primarily in rodents.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the pathogenic potential of a H. mastomyrinus strain (Hm-17) isolated from asymptomatic mice.
- To perform comprehensive analyses including genome sequencing, cytotoxicity, and animal pathogenicity.
Main Methods:
- Genome sequencing and 16S rRNA analysis for phylogenetic relationships.
- Core-pan genome analysis to assess pathogenic factor associations.
- In vitro cytotoxicity assays for cytolethal distending toxin (CDT) activity.
- In vivo pathogenicity testing in BALB/c mice.
Main Results:
- Phylogenetic analysis showed H. mastomyrinus is closely related to H. canadensis, but core-pan genome analysis suggests a stronger link to H. hepaticus.
- Hm-17 demonstrated significant cytolethal distending toxin (CDT) activity, causing cell swelling and death.
- Infection with Hm-17 in mice led to rapid focal necrotic hepatitis.
Conclusions:
- H. mastomyrinus isolates from asymptomatic hosts possess considerable pathogenic potential.
- The organism's ability to induce CDT and hepatitis highlights its significance.
- Further research is needed on H. mastomyrinus epidemiology and pathogenesis mechanisms.
