Molecular epidemiology of Pasteurella multocida in cats: First multilocus sequence typing (MLST)-based insights from
Baharak Mirzavand1, Darioush Gharibi1, Dolores Cid2
1Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran.
Abstract:
Pasteurella multocida is a zoonotic bacterium commonly found in the oropharyngeal microbiota of cats; despite its clinical relevance, molecular data on feline isolates in Iran remain limited. This study aimed to provide molecular and phenotypic characterization of P. multocida isolates obtained from feline sources in Iran. This study characterized 18 P. multocida isolates recovered from oral swabs of cats previously sampled in Ahvaz, Iran. After polymerase chain reaction (PCR) confirmation targeting the kmt1 gene, multilocus sequence typing (MLST) was performed using the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation (RIRDC) scheme. The MLST analysis assigned the 18 isolates to 14 distinct sequence types (STs). High genetic diversity was observed, with no ST dominating the population. Our results identified several STs, including ST30, ST344, ST487, and ST551, that have been reported worldwide, highlighting their epidemiological relevance. This study provides the first MLST data for feline P. multocida in Iran and contributes to global understanding of the species' genetic diversity.
Insights
This study reveals high genetic diversity in Pasteurella multocida (a zoonotic bacterium) from Iranian cats using multilocus sequence typing (MLST). The findings enhance global understanding of this pathogen
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Microbiology
- Bacteriology
- Genetics
Background:
- Pasteurella multocida is a zoonotic bacterium frequently found in cat oral microbiota.
- Limited molecular data exists for feline Pasteurella multocida isolates in Iran.
- Understanding genetic diversity is crucial for epidemiological tracking and control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To perform molecular and phenotypic characterization of Pasteurella multocida isolates from feline sources in Iran.
- To establish the genetic diversity and sequence types of feline Pasteurella multocida in Iran.
- To contribute to the global understanding of Pasteurella multocida genetic diversity.
Main Methods:
- Isolation and identification of Pasteurella multocida from feline oral swabs.
- Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) confirmation targeting the kmt1 gene.
- Multilocus Sequence Typing (MLST) using the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation (RIRDC) scheme.
Main Results:
- Eighteen Pasteurella multocida isolates were characterized.
- Multilocus Sequence Typing (MLST) identified 14 distinct sequence types (STs) among the isolates.
- High genetic diversity was observed, with no single ST dominating the population. Several globally reported STs were identified.
Conclusions:
- This study provides the first MLST data for feline Pasteurella multocida in Iran.
- The identified sequence types highlight the epidemiological relevance and global distribution of feline Pasteurella multocida.
- The findings contribute significantly to the global understanding of Pasteurella multocida genetic diversity in feline hosts.
