Comparative analysis of Streptococcus suis genomes identifies novel candidate virulence-associated genes in North American isolates

In this study, we performed pan-genome analysis of 208S. suis isolates classified into the pathogenic, possibly opportunistic, and commensal pathotypes to identify novel candidate virulence-associated genes (VAGs) ofS. suis. Using chi-square tests and LASSO regression models, three accessory pan-genes corresponding toS. suis strain P1/7 markersSSU_RS09525,SSU_RS09155, andSSU_RS03100 (>95% identity) were identified as having a significant association with the pathogenic pathotype. The proposed novelSSU_RS09525 + /SSU_RS09155 + /SSU_RS03100 + genotype identified 96% of the pathogenic pathotype strains, suggesting a novel genotyping scheme for predicting the pathogenicity ofS. suis isolates in North America. In addition, mobile genetic elements carrying antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) and VAGs were identified but did not appear to play a major role in the spread of ARGs and VAGs.
Source: Veterinary Research - Category: Veterinary Research Source Type: research