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Characterization of Enterococcus faecium Based on Multi-Omics Approaches: Genomic, Transcriptomic, and Phenotypic
Jiayan Huang1, Haoyu Fan1, Yurui Wang1
1College of Animal Science, Xizang Agricultural and Animal Husbandry University, Linzhi 860000, China.
Veterinary Sciences
|January 28, 2026
Summary
Yak feces harbored an Enterococcus faecium strain closely related to human clinical isolates, posing a public health risk. This animal-derived pathogen exhibits antimicrobial resistance and virulence, causing intestinal inflammation and damage in mice.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Genomics
- Immunology
Background:
- Animal-derived Enterococcus faecium (E. faecium) is a public health concern due to antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and virulence genes.
- Pathogenicity and cross-host transmission of E. faecium from unique environments like the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau are not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the genetic makeup, pathogenicity, and host response to an E. faecium strain isolated from yak feces.
- To assess the public health risk associated with animal-derived E. faecium from unique geographical origins.
Main Methods:
- Whole-genome sequencing for phylogenetic analysis and identification of AMR and virulence genes.
- Antimicrobial susceptibility testing.
- In vivo mouse infection model for pathogenicity assessment and transcriptomic analysis of host intestinal tissue.
Main Results:
- The yak-derived E. faecium strain is phylogenetically close to human clinical isolates, indicating cross-host transmission potential.
- The strain possesses AMR genes (e.g., AAC(6">-Ii, msrC, eatAv) and virulence genes (e.g., bopD, Acm, ClpP), exhibiting resistance to multiple antibiotics.
- Infection induced inflammatory damage in mouse intestines, involving epithelial necrosis, vascular congestion, and immune cell infiltration.
- Transcriptomics revealed a 'Recognition-Response-Damage' signaling axis involving Toll-like/NOD-like receptors, NF-κB/MAPK pathways, and chemokine signaling.
Conclusions:
- Yak-derived E. faecium strains can possess AMR and virulence factors, posing a potential public health risk.
- The study elucidates the pathogenic mechanisms from genetic determinants to host response, informing targeted intervention strategies.
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