scholarly journals Genomic analysis of ST88 community-acquired methicillin resistantStaphylococcus aureusin Ghana

PeerJ ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 5 ◽  
pp. e3047 ◽  
Author(s):  
Grace Kpeli ◽  
Andrew H. Buultjens ◽  
Stefano Giulieri ◽  
Evelyn Owusu-Mireku ◽  
Samuel Y. Aboagye ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Core Genome ◽  
Buruli Ulcer ◽  
Genomic Analysis ◽  
Resource Limited ◽  
Public Health Information ◽  
Genomic Studies ◽  
Mrsa Strains ◽  
Genomic Regions ◽  
Pacbio Smrt Sequencing ◽  
Ulcer Treatment

BackgroundThe emergence and evolution of community-acquired methicillin resistantStaphylococcus aureus(CA-MRSA) strains in Africa is poorly understood. However, one particular MRSA lineage called ST88, appears to be rapidly establishing itself as an “African” CA-MRSA clone. In this study, we employed whole genome sequencing to provide more information on the genetic background of ST88 CA-MRSA isolates from Ghana and to describe in detail ST88 CA-MRSA isolates in comparison with other MRSA lineages worldwide.MethodsWe first established a complete ST88 reference genome (AUS0325) using PacBio SMRT sequencing. We then used comparative genomics to assess relatedness among 17 ST88 CA-MRSA isolates recovered from patients attending Buruli ulcer treatment centres in Ghana, three non-African ST88s and 15 other MRSA lineages.ResultsWe show that Ghanaian ST88 forms a discrete MRSA lineage (harbouring SCCmec-IV [2B]). Gene content analysis identified five distinct genomic regions enriched among ST88 isolates compared with the otherS. aureuslineages. The Ghanaian ST88 isolates had only 658 core genome SNPs and there was no correlation between phylogeny and geography, suggesting the recent spread of this clone. The lineage was also resistant to multiple classes of antibiotics includingβ-lactams, tetracycline and chloramphenicol.DiscussionThis study reveals thatS. aureusST88-IV is a recently emerging and rapidly spreading CA-MRSA clone in Ghana. The study highlights the capacity of small snapshot genomic studies to provide actionable public health information in resource limited settings. To our knowledge this is the first genomic assessment of the ST88 CA-MRSA clone.

scholarly journals Comparative Genomic Analysis of Rhodococcus equi: An Insight into Genomic Diversity and Genome Evolution

2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-14
Author(s):  
Jianchao Ying ◽  
Jun Ye ◽  
Teng Xu ◽  
Qian Wang ◽  
Qiyu Bao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Core Genome ◽  
Genomic Analysis ◽  
Rhodococcus Equi ◽  
Comparative Genomic Analysis ◽  
Genomic Islands ◽  
Genomic Diversity ◽  
Comparative Genomic ◽  
Niche Adaptation ◽  
Genomic Studies ◽  
Insight Into

Rhodococcus equi, a member of the Rhodococcus genus, is a gram-positive pathogenic bacterium. Rhodococcus possesses an open pan-genome that constitutes the basis of its high genomic diversity and allows for adaptation to specific niche conditions and the changing host environments. Our analysis further showed that the core genome of R. equi contributes to the pathogenicity and niche adaptation of R. equi. Comparative genomic analysis revealed that the genomes of R. equi shared identical collinearity relationship, and heterogeneity was mainly acquired by means of genomic islands and prophages. Moreover, genomic islands in R. equi were always involved in virulence, resistance, or niche adaptation and possibly working with prophages to cause the majority of genome expansion. These findings provide an insight into the genomic diversity, evolution, and structural variation of R. equi and a valuable resource for functional genomic studies.

scholarly journals The identification of novel immunogenic antigens as potential Shigella vaccine components

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ruklanthi de Alwis ◽  
Li Liang ◽  
Omid Taghavian ◽  
Emma Werner ◽  
Hao Chung The ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Core Genome ◽  
Genomic Analysis ◽  
Carrier Proteins ◽  
Vaccine Candidates ◽  
Vaccine Antigens ◽  
Bactericidal Antibody ◽  
In Vivo Testing ◽  
Species Specific ◽  
Selection Of

Abstract Background Shigella is a major diarrheal pathogen for which there is presently no vaccine. Whole genome sequencing provides the ability to predict and derive novel antigens for use as vaccines. Here, we aimed to identify novel immunogenic Shigella antigens that could serve as Shigella vaccine candidates, either alone, or when conjugated to Shigella O-antigen. Methods Using a reverse vaccinology approach, where genomic analysis informed the Shigella immunome via an antigen microarray, we aimed to identify novel immunogenic Shigella antigens. A core genome analysis of Shigella species, pathogenic and non-pathogenic Escherichia coli, led to the selection of 234 predicted immunogenic Shigella antigens. These antigens were expressed and probed with acute and convalescent serum from microbiologically confirmed Shigella infections. Results Several Shigella antigens displayed IgG and IgA seroconversion, with no difference in sero-reactivity across by sex or age. IgG sero-reactivity to key Shigella antigens was observed at birth, indicating transplacental antibody transfer. Six antigens (FepA, EmrK, FhuA, MdtA, NlpB, and CjrA) were identified in in vivo testing as capable of producing binding IgG and complement-mediated bactericidal antibody. Conclusions These findings provide six novel immunogenic Shigella proteins that could serve as candidate vaccine antigens, species-specific carrier proteins, or targeted adjuvants.

scholarly journals Unravelling population structure heterogeneity within the genome of the malaria vector Anopheles gambiae

BMC Genomics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Melina Campos ◽  
Luisa D. P. Rona ◽  
Katie Willis ◽  
George K. Christophides ◽  
Robert M. MacCallum
Keyword(s):  
Population Structure ◽  
Anopheles Gambiae ◽  
Malaria Vector ◽  
Mosquito Species ◽  
Gene Clusters ◽  
Selective Sweeps ◽  
Structure Heterogeneity ◽  
Genomic Studies ◽  
Time Required ◽  
Genomic Regions

Abstract Background Whole genome re-sequencing provides powerful data for population genomic studies, allowing robust inferences of population structure, gene flow and evolutionary history. For the major malaria vector in Africa, Anopheles gambiae, other genetic aspects such as selection and adaptation are also important. In the present study, we explore population genetic variation from genome-wide sequencing of 765 An. gambiae and An. coluzzii specimens collected from across Africa. We used t-SNE, a recently popularized dimensionality reduction method, to create a 2D-map of An. gambiae and An. coluzzii genes that reflect their population structure similarities. Results The map allows intuitive navigation among genes distributed throughout the so-called “mainland” and numerous surrounding “island-like” gene clusters. These gene clusters of various sizes correspond predominantly to low recombination genomic regions such as inversions and centromeres, and also to recent selective sweeps. Because this mosquito species complex has been studied extensively, we were able to support our interpretations with previously published findings. Several novel observations and hypotheses are also made, including selective sweeps and a multi-locus selection event in Guinea-Bissau, a known intense hybridization zone between An. gambiae and An. coluzzii. Conclusions Our results present a rich dataset that could be utilized in functional investigations aiming to shed light onto An. gambiae s.l genome evolution and eventual speciation. In addition, the methodology presented here can be used to further characterize other species not so well studied as An. gambiae, shortening the time required to progress from field sampling to the identification of genes and genomic regions under unique evolutionary processes.

scholarly journals Identification of RD5-EncodedMycobacterium tuberculosisProteins As B-Cell Antigens Used for Serodiagnosis of Tuberculosis

2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Miao-Miao Zhang ◽  
Jun-Wei Zhao ◽  
Zhan-Qiang Sun ◽  
Jun Liu ◽  
Xiao-Kui Guo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mycobacterium Tuberculosis ◽  
Detection Sensitivity ◽  
Comparative Genomic ◽  
Healthy Controls ◽  
Specific Diagnosis ◽  
Pulmonary Tb ◽  
Genomic Studies ◽  
Immunodominant Antigens ◽  
Genomic Regions ◽  
Hiv Negative

Comparative genomic studies have identified severalMycobacterium tuberculosis-specific genomic regions of difference (RDs) which are absent in the vaccine strains ofMycobacterium bovisBCG and which may be useful in the specific diagnosis of tuberculosis (TB). In this study, all encoded proteins from DNA segment RD5 ofMycobacterium tuberculosis, that is, Rv3117–Rv3121, were recombined and evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays for antibody reactivity with sera from HIV-negative pulmonary TB patients (n=60) and healthy controls (n=32). The results identified two immunodominant antigens, that is, Rv3117 and Rv3120, both of which revealed a statistically significant antigenic distinction between healthy controls and TB patients (P<0.05). In comparison with the well-known early-secreted antigen target 6 kDa (ESAT-6) (sensitivity 21.7%, specificity 90.6%), the higher detection sensitivity and higher specificity were achieved (Rv3117: sensitivity 25%, specificity 96.9%; Rv3120: sensitivity 31.7%, specificity 96.9%). Thus, the results highlight the immunosensitive and immunospecific nature of Rv3117 and Rv3120 and indicate promise for their use in the serodiagnosis of TB.

scholarly journals Triple oral beta-lactam containing therapy for Buruli ulcer treatment shortening

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
María Pilar Arenaz Callao ◽  
Rubén González del Río ◽  
Ainhoa Lucía Quintana ◽  
Charles J. Thompson ◽  
Alfonso Mendoza-Losana ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Inhibitory Concentration ◽  
Buruli Ulcer ◽  
Mycobacterium Ulcerans ◽  
Beta Lactam ◽  
Beta Lactams ◽  
Amoxicillin Clavulanate ◽  
Low Toxicity ◽  
Potential Use ◽  
Ulcer Treatment

ABSTRACTThe potential use of clinically approved beta-lactams for Buruli ulcer (BU) treatment was investigated with representative classes analyzed in vitro for activity against Mycobacterium ulcerans. Beta-lactams tested were effective alone and displayed a strong synergistic profile in combination with antibiotics currently used to treat BU, i.e. rifampicin and clarithromycin; this activity was further potentiated in the presence of the beta-lactamase inhibitor clavulanate. In addition, quadruple combinations of rifampicin, clarithromycin, clavulanate and beta-lactams resulted in multiplicative reductions in their minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) values. The MIC of amoxicillin against a panel of clinical isolates decreased more than 200-fold within this quadruple combination. Amoxicillin/clavulanate formulations are readily available with clinical pedigree, low toxicity, and orally and pediatric available; thus, supporting its potential inclusion as a new anti-BU drug in current combination therapies.

scholarly journals Rapid metagenomic characterization of a case of imported COVID-19 in Cambodia

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jessica E. Manning ◽  
Jennifer A. Bohl ◽  
Sreyngim Lay ◽  
Sophana Chea ◽  
Ly Sovann ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Disease Outbreaks ◽  
Bioinformatics Pipeline ◽  
Illumina Platform ◽  
Resource Limited ◽  
First Case ◽  
Rapid Production ◽  
Public Health Information ◽  
Pathogen Genome ◽  
Generation Sequencing

AbstractRapid production and publication of pathogen genome sequences during emerging disease outbreaks provide crucial public health information. In resource-limited settings, especially near an outbreak epicenter, conventional deep sequencing or bioinformatics are often challenging. Here we successfully used metagenomic next generation sequencing on an iSeq100 Illumina platform paired with an open-source bioinformatics pipeline to quickly characterize Cambodia’s first case of COVID-2019.

scholarly journals Comparative Genomic Analysis Confirms Five Genetic Populations of the Select Agent, Rathayibacter toxicus

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 366
Author(s):  
Jarred Yasuhara-Bell ◽  
Mohammad Arif ◽  
Grethel Y. Busot ◽  
Rachel Mann ◽  
Brendan Rodoni ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Genomic Analysis ◽  
The United States ◽  
Grass Species ◽  
Comparative Genomic ◽  
Underrepresented Populations ◽  
System A ◽  
Genome Wide ◽  
The Family ◽  
Study Support ◽  
Genomic Regions

Rathayibacter toxicus is a Gram-positive, nematode-vectored bacterium that infects several grass species in the family Poaceae. Unique in its genus, R. toxicus has the smallest genome, possesses a complete CRISPR-Cas system, a vancomycin-resistance cassette, produces tunicamycin, a corynetoxin responsible for livestock deaths in Australia, and is designated a Select Agent in the United States. In-depth, genome-wide analyses performed in this study support the previously designated five genetic populations, with a core genome comprising approximately 80% of the genome for all populations. Results varied as a function of the type of analysis and when using different bioinformatics tools for the same analysis; e.g., some programs failed to identify specific genomic regions that were actually present. The software variance highlights the need to verify bioinformatics results by additional methods; e.g., PCR, mapping genes to genomes, use of multiple algorithms). These analyses suggest the following relationships among populations: RT-IV ↔ RT-I ↔ RT-II ↔ RT-III ↔ RT-V, with RT-IV and RT-V being the most unrelated. This is the most comprehensive analysis of R. toxicus that included populations RT-I and RT-V. Future studies require underrepresented populations and more recent isolates from varied hosts and geographic locations.

scholarly journals Triple oral beta-lactam containing therapy for Buruli ulcer treatment shortening

2019 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. e0007126 ◽  
Author(s):  
María Pilar Arenaz-Callao ◽  
Rubén González del Río ◽  
Ainhoa Lucía Quintana ◽  
Charles J. Thompson ◽  
Alfonso Mendoza-Losana ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Buruli Ulcer ◽  
Beta Lactam ◽  
Ulcer Treatment

scholarly journals First Steps in the Analysis of Prokaryotic Pan-Genomes

2020 ◽  
Vol 14 ◽  
pp. 117793222093806
Author(s):  
Sávio Souza Costa ◽  
Luís Carlos Guimarães ◽  
Artur Silva ◽  
Siomar Castro Soares ◽  
Rafael Azevedo Baraúna
Keyword(s):  
Genome Analysis ◽  
Core Genome ◽  
Bacterial Species ◽  
Genomic Analysis ◽  
Gene Families ◽  
Specific Group ◽  
The Core ◽  
Pan Genome ◽  
Research Areas ◽  
Key Concepts

Pan-genome is defined as the set of orthologous and unique genes of a specific group of organisms. The pan-genome is composed by the core genome, accessory genome, and species- or strain-specific genes. The pan-genome is considered open or closed based on the alpha value of the Heap law. In an open pan-genome, the number of gene families will continuously increase with the addition of new genomes to the analysis, while in a closed pan-genome, the number of gene families will not increase considerably. The first step of a pan-genome analysis is the homogenization of genome annotation. The same software should be used to annotate genomes, such as GeneMark or RAST. Subsequently, several software are used to calculate the pan-genome such as BPGA, GET_HOMOLOGUES, PGAP, among others. This review presents all these initial steps for those who want to perform a pan-genome analysis, explaining key concepts of the area. Furthermore, we present the pan-genomic analysis of 9 bacterial species. These are the species with the highest number of genomes deposited in GenBank. We also show the influence of the identity and coverage parameters on the prediction of orthologous and paralogous genes. Finally, we cite the perspectives of several research areas where pan-genome analysis can be used to answer important issues.

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