Genomic and phenotypic analysis of invasive Streptococcus suis isolated in Spain reveals genetic diversification and associated virulence traits

Uruén, Cristina (Universidad de Zaragoza) ; Fernandez, Ana ; Arnal, José Luis ; del Pozo, Mateo ; Amoribieta, Maria Casas ; de Blas, Ignacio (Universidad de Zaragoza) ; Jurado, Paula ; Calvo, Jorge Hugo ; Gottschalk, Marcelo ; González-Vázquez, Luis Daniel ; Arenas, Miguel ; Marín, Clara M. ; Arenas, Jesús (Universidad de Zaragoza)

Resumen: Streptococcus suis is a zoonotic pathogen that causes a major health problem in the pig production industry worldwide. Spain is one of the largest pig producers in the world. This work aimed to investigate the genetic and phenotypic features of invasive S. suis isolates recovered in Spain. A panel of 156 clinical isolates recovered from 13 Autonomous Communities, representing the major pig producers, were analysed. MLST and serotyping analysis revealed that most isolates (61.6%) were assigned to ST1 (26.3%), ST123 (18.6%), ST29 (9.6%), and ST3 (7.1%). Interestingly, 34 new STs were identified, indicating the emergence of novel genetic lineages. Serotypes 9 (27.6%) and 1 (21.8%) prevailed, followed by serotypes 7 (12.8%) and 2 (12.2%). Analysis of 13 virulence-associated genes showed significant associations between ST, serotype, virulence patterns, and clinical features, evidencing particular virulence traits associated with genetic clusters. The pangenome was generated, and the core genome was distributed in 7 Bayesian groups where each group included a variable set of over- and under-represented genes of different categories. The study provides comprehensive data and knowledge to improve the design of new vaccines, antimicrobial treatments, and bacterial typing approaches.

Idioma: Inglés

DOI: 10.1186/s13567-024-01267-0

Año: 2024

Publicado en: Veterinary Research 55, 1 (2024), [16 pp.]
ISSN: 0928-4249

Financiación: info:eu-repo/grantAgreement/ES/DGA/LMP58-21
Financiación: info:eu-repo/grantAgreement/ES/MICINN AEI PID2020-114617RB-100AEI-10.13039-501100011033
Financiación: info:eu-repo/grantAgreement/ES/UZ/UZ2020-BIO-01

Tipo y forma: Article (Published version)

Área (Departamento): Área Sanidad Animal (Dpto. Patología Animal)