Isolation of the identification, and genomic characterization of Rickettsia raoultii from Ningxia ticks
10.3969/j.issn.1005-0507.2025.04.002
- VernacularTitle:宁夏拉乌尔立克次体的分离鉴定及基因组特征分析
- Author:
Wen-jie ZHU
1
;
Hui-jun YU
2
;
Di TIAN
3
;
Xiao-yu HAN
1
;
Ning WANG
2
;
Shi-jing SHEN
2
;
Zhe-tao LIN
1
;
Tian-hong WANG
1
;
Zhi-hong LIU
3
;
Wu-chun CAO
1
Author Information
1. State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Academy of Military Science, Beijing 100071, China
2. Institute of EcoHealth, School of Public Health, Shandong University, Jinan 250102, Shandong, China
3. School of Public Health, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, Ningxia, China
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Rickettsia raoultii;
Isolation;
Genome sequencing;
Comparative genomic analyses
- From:
Acta Parasitologica et Medica Entomologica Sinica
2025;32(4):198-209
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Objective Spotted fever group rickettsiae(SFGR)are globally prevalent obligate intracellular bacteria that have the potential to cause severe and fatal human diseases. A study to investigate the species and genetic characteristics of SFGR was conducted in 2023 in the Ningxia region of northwestern China. Methods Tick samples were collected from Ningxia, identified, and used to isolate SFGR. The isolated strain was identified as Rickettsia raoultii through morphological observation, multi-locus sequence typing(MLST), and phylogenetic analysis. Then, it was subjected to whole-genome sequencing using next-generation technology, which revealed it to be a TIGMIC strain. Results The TIGMIC strain was demonstrated to exhibit a capacity for growth in mammalian cell lines. The complete genome sequence of the TIGMIC strain was assembled into a circular chromosome, which exhibited a length of 1 312 176 bp and comprised 1 488 genes. Functional annotation revealed that the main key genes of the TIGMIC strain were primarily associated with biosynthesis, nutrient metabolism, and cell membrane biogenesis. Apart from the rickA gene, most typical rickettsial virulence genes of the TIGMIC strain were relatively conserved. Conclusions These findings will help identify SFGR, provide etiological evidence for spotted fever in Ningxia, and emphasize the need for enhanced surveillance to prevent the spread of SFGR.
