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Characterization and Pathogenicity of Mannheimia glucosida Isolated from Sheep
Qibing Gu1, Min Gao1, Taichun Gao1
1College of Animal & Veterinary Sciences, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu 610041, China.
Abstract:
Bacteria of the genus Mannheimia are major pathogens of respiratory diseases in ruminants and pose a significant threat to the global ruminant industry. However, the biological characteristics and pathogenic mechanisms of Mannheimia glucosida remain unclear. In this study, we isolated five strains of M. glucosida, which specifically hydrolyzed esculin, from sheep with respiratory disease in China. All five strains of M. glucosida were found to encode the adhesion-related gene adh and the anti-phagocytosis-related gene plpD, as determined by a virulence gene assay. Moreover, all M. glucosida isolates were resistant to streptomycin. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA, infB, and sodA genes showed that the sodA gene could be a valuable indication for the analysis of bacterial genetic evolution in the genus Mannheimia. By mouse modeling, M. glucosida D251 was further found to cause multiorgan damage with an LD50 of 1.35 × 106 CFU. Meanwhile, by combining whole genome sequencing with bioinformatic analysis, we found that the D251 genome encodes a large number of virulence and drug resistance genes. Finally, we established a highly sensitive and specific PCR assay for M. glucosida. Collectively, these results indicate that M. glucosida may be an important pathogen in respiratory disease in sheep in China and provides a theoretical basis for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of this disease.
Insights
Mannheimia glucosida causes respiratory disease in sheep and damages multiple organs in mice. This study identifies key virulence genes and establishes a PCR assay for diagnosing this important sheep pathogen in China.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Microbiology
- Bacterial Pathogenesis
- Ruminant Health
Background:
- Bacteria of the genus Mannheimia are significant pathogens causing respiratory diseases in ruminants.
- The biological characteristics and pathogenic mechanisms of Mannheimia glucosida are not well understood.
- Mannheimia glucosida poses a threat to the global ruminant industry.
Purpose of the Study:
- To isolate and characterize Mannheimia glucosida strains from sheep with respiratory disease in China.
- To investigate the virulence factors and pathogenic mechanisms of M. glucosida.
- To develop a diagnostic tool for M. glucosida.
Main Methods:
- Isolation and identification of M. glucosida from diseased sheep.
- Virulence gene assay, phylogenetic analysis (16S rRNA, infB, sodA), and mouse modeling.
- Whole genome sequencing, bioinformatic analysis, and PCR assay development.
Main Results:
- Five strains of M. glucosida were isolated, all hydrolyzing esculin, encoding adh and plpD virulence genes, and resistant to streptomycin.
- Phylogenetic analysis suggested sodA as a valuable marker for bacterial evolution in Mannheimia.
- Mouse model showed M. glucosida D251 caused multiorgan damage (LD50 = 1.35 × 10^6 CFU) and possessed numerous virulence and drug resistance genes.
- A sensitive and specific PCR assay for M. glucosida was successfully established.
Conclusions:
- M. glucosida is identified as a potential significant pathogen contributing to respiratory disease in Chinese sheep.
- The study provides insights into the virulence factors and genetic characteristics of M. glucosida.
- The developed PCR assay offers a valuable tool for clinical diagnosis and treatment of M. glucosida infections in sheep.
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