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Genomic diversity in Porphyromonas: evidence of Porphyromonas catoniae commensality in lungs

Lourdes Velo-Suarez1,2, Yann Moalic1,3, Charles-Antoine Guilloux2

  • 1Center of Biome Analysis and Microbiota (CBAM), Brest University Hospital, Brest, France.

Microbial Genomics
|June 13, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Genomic analysis of Porphyromonas species other than P. gingivalis (POTG) from cystic fibrosis lungs reveals they may act as commensals. These POTG strains lack key virulence factors, suggesting a limited pathogenic role in pulmonary environments.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Genomics
  • Pulmonary infections

Background:

  • Limited genomic data exists for Porphyromonas species other than P. gingivalis (POTG), especially in pulmonary settings.
  • P. gingivalis is a known pathogen, but the role of other POTG in lung health and disease is unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To perform whole-genome sequencing and antimicrobial susceptibility testing on pulmonary POTG isolates from cystic fibrosis patients.
  • To compare the genomes of pulmonary POTG with other Porphyromonas species.
  • To assess the potential pathogenicity of POTG in the lung environment.

Main Methods:

  • Whole-genome sequencing of P. catoniae (n=3), P. pasteri (n=1), and P. uenonis (n=2) from cystic fibrosis patients.
  • Antimicrobial susceptibility testing of the isolated strains.
  • Comparative genomic analysis with existing Porphyromonas species data.

Main Results:

  • Distinct clade differentiation observed between non-pigmented and pigmented Porphyromonas species.
  • Pulmonary POTG strains generally lacked known virulence genes, except for a putative haemolysin.
  • Specific antibiotic resistances noted: vancomycin in P. catoniae and clindamycin in P. uenonis.

Conclusions:

  • Pulmonary POTG species exhibit limited virulence gene content compared to P. gingivalis.
  • The genomic and susceptibility data suggest POTG may function primarily as commensals in the lung.
  • Further research is needed to fully elucidate the role of POTG in respiratory health and disease.
Keywords:
PorphyromonasPorphyromonas catoniaeantimicrobial resistancelungwhole-genome sequencing

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