The Core and Accessory Genomes of Burkholderia pseudomallei: Implications for Human Melioidosis
Author Information
Author(s): Sim Siew Hoon, Yu Yiting, Lin Chi Ho, Karuturi R. Krishna M., Wuthiekanun Vanaporn, Tuanyok Apichai, Chua Hui Hoon, Ong Catherine, Paramalingam Sivalingam Suppiah, Tan Gladys, Tang Lynn, Lau Gary, Ooi Eng Eong, Woods Donald, Feil Edward, Peacock Sharon J., Tan Patrick
Primary Institution: Defense Medical and Environmental Research Institute, DSO National Laboratories, Singapore
Hypothesis
What is the role of the core and accessory genomes in the pathogenicity of Burkholderia pseudomallei?
Conclusion
The accessory genome of Burkholderia pseudomallei plays a significant role in microbial adaptation and virulence.
Supporting Evidence
- 86% of the Bp K96243 reference genome was common to all strains, representing the core genome.
- 14% of the K96243 genome was variably present across the isolates, representing the accessory genome.
- Strains from human melioidosis cases were significantly more likely to harbor certain genomic islands compared to animal and environmental isolates.
Takeaway
This study looked at the genes of a bacteria that can make people sick and found that some genes help it survive and cause disease.
Methodology
Whole-genome microarray analysis was used to examine gene presence and absence across 94 strains of Burkholderia pseudomallei.
Limitations
The study is limited to the detection of elements present in the reference K96243 genome, potentially underestimating the accessory genome.
Participant Demographics
The strains included clinical, animal, and environmental isolates from South East Asia.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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