Comparative Genomics of Mycobacterium avium Subspecies paratuberculosis
Author Information
Author(s): Wynne James W., Bull Tim J., Seemann Torsten, Bulach Dieter M., Wagner Josef, Kirkwood Carl D., Michalski Wojtek P.
Primary Institution: Australian Animal Health Laboratory, CSIRO Livestock Industries, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
Hypothesis
We hypothesise that genetic differences between strains may reveal phylogenetic relationships that provide a better understanding of the processes involved with MAP zoonotic transmission.
Conclusion
The study provides genomic evidence of Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis zoonotic transmission from domestic animals to humans.
Supporting Evidence
- Seven human derived MAP isolates were highly genetically similar and clustered together with one bovine type isolate following phylogenetic analysis.
- Three other sequenced isolates were genetically distinct.
- Human isolates contained two large tandem duplications that were confirmed by PCR.
Takeaway
Scientists studied bacteria that might cause Crohn's disease in kids and found that some of these bacteria are very similar to those found in cows, suggesting they might come from animals.
Methodology
The genomes of ten MAP isolates (seven human and three animal derived) were sequenced using the Illumina GAIIx platform.
Limitations
The study only isolated a limited number of human strains and these were all MAP type II.
Participant Demographics
The seven human isolates were cultured from mucosal biopsies taken from paediatric patients undergoing initial endoscopy.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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