Genomic analysis of the multi-host pathogen Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae reveals extensive recombination as well as the existence of three generalist clades with wide geographic distribution.

摘要: Knowledge about how bacterial populations are structured is an important prerequisite for studying their ecology and evolutionary history facilitates inquiry into host specificity, pathogenicity, geographic dispersal molecular epidemiology. Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae opportunistic pathogen that currently reemerging in both the swine poultry industries globally. This bacterium sporadically causes mortalities captive marine mammals, has recently been implicated large-scale wildlife die-offs. However, despite its economic relevance broad distribution, including zoonotic potential, global diversity, recombination rates, population structure of this remain poorly characterized. In study, we conducted a broad-scale genomic comparison E. based on diverse collection isolates order to address these knowledge gaps. Eighty-three from range species origins, isolated between 1958 2014, were sequenced assembled using reference-based mapping de novo assembly. We found high proportion core genome (58 %) had undergone recombination. Therefore, used three independent methods robust presence define species: phylogenetic tree set conserved protein sequences, silico chromosome painting, network analysis. All broadly concordant supported existence distinct clades within rhusiopathiae. Although some evidence geographical clustering, each clade included multiple continents. Using whole sequence data, confirm recent suggestions weakly clonal shaped extensively by homologous Despite frequent recombination, can reliably identify do not clearly segregate or origin. Our results provide essential baseline future epidemiological, ecological studies facilitate comparisons other recombinogenic, multi-host bacteria.