Genome Sequence of Brucella abortus Vaccine Strain S19 Compared to Virulent Strains Yields Candidate Virulence Genes
Author Information
Author(s): Crasta Oswald R., Folkerts Otto, Fei Zhangjun, Mane Shrinivasrao P., Evans Clive, Martino-Catt Susan, Bricker Betsy, Yu GongXin, Du Lei, Sobral Bruno W.
Primary Institution: Virginia Bioinformatics Institute, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia, United States of America
Hypothesis
The main goal of this study is to identify candidate virulence genes by systematic comparative analysis of the attenuated strain with the published genome sequences of two virulent strains.
Conclusion
The study identified 263 non-identical genes between the attenuated Brucella abortus strain S19 and two virulent strains, with 45 genes showing consistent differences that may be associated with the loss of virulence.
Supporting Evidence
- The S19 strain has been used as a vaccine for cattle against brucellosis for over sixty years.
- Comparative genomic analysis revealed 263 non-identical genes between S19 and virulent strains.
- Four genes showed significant differences that may be linked to the loss of virulence in S19.
Takeaway
Scientists looked at the DNA of a vaccine strain of bacteria and compared it to more harmful strains to find out what makes it less dangerous.
Methodology
The complete genome sequence of the attenuated Brucella abortus strain S19 was determined using pyrosequencing and conventional sequencing, followed by comparative genomic analysis with two virulent strains.
Limitations
The physiological and molecular mechanisms causing the attenuation of strain S19 are not fully understood.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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