Phylogeny and virulence gene profile of Francisella salimarina
10.3760/cma.j.cn112309-20230729-00021
- VernacularTitle:海盐弗朗西斯菌的系统发育与毒力基因分析
- Author:
Xiaowei CHEN
1
;
Qiwei LI
;
Yan CHEN
;
Shunguang LI
;
Jiafan CHEN
;
Chao YANG
;
Cha CHEN
;
Pinghua QU
;
Renxin CAI
Author Information
1. 广州中医药大学第二临床医学院，广州 510006
- Keywords:
Francisella salimarina;
Molecular phylogeny;
Virulence gene;
Pathogenicity
- From:
Chinese Journal of Microbiology and Immunology
2023;43(8):612-618
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Objective:To study the molecular phylogeny and virulence gene profile of Francisella salimarina. Methods:Phylogenetic analysis of Francisella salimarina was performed based on the global genome data of related Francisella species on GenBank database. The consistency in phylogenetic analysis based on single marker genes (such as 16S rRNA gene, rpoB gene and mdh gene) and the core genome as compared. Virulence genes and antibiotic resistance genes were annotated using the virulence factor database (VFDB) and the Comprehensive Antibiotic Resistance Database (CARD), respectively. The virulence of Francisella salimarina was analyzed with a Galleria mellonella (greater wax moth) infection model using Francisella philomiragia ATCC 25015 T as reference strain. Results:The phylogenetic analysis revealed that Francisella salimarina was closely related to Francisella philomiragia. The phylogenetic tree based on mdh gene was highly similar to that based on the core genome. Francisella salimarina could be differentiated from other related species by 16S rRNA gene or mdh gene, with the latter being more accurate. Eight Francisella salimarina strains carried multiple virulence genes, mainly involved in secretion, adhesion, immune regulation, motility and stress survival. Moreover, beta-lactam resistance gene blaFPH was identified in all eight strains. Francisella salimarina showed high lethality in the Galleria mellonella infection model, which was similar to Francisella philomiragia ATCC 25015 T. Conclusions:Francisella salimarina was a rare pathogen with similar pathogenicity to Francisella philomiragia. The mdh gene could be used as a molecular target for rapid identification of Francisella salimarina.
