Abstract
Streptococcus intermedius (SI) is associated with prolonged hospitalization and low survival rates. The genetic mechanisms involved in brain abscess development and genome evolution in comparison to other members of the Streptococcus anginosus group are understudied. We performed a whole-genome comparative analysis of an SI isolate, LAU_SINT, associated with brain abscess following sinusitis with all SI genomes in addition to S. constellatus and S. anginosus. Selective pressure on virulence factors, phages, pan-genome evolution and single-nucleotide polymorphism analysis were assessed. The structural details of the type seven secretion system (T7SS) was elucidated and compared with different organisms. ily and nanA were both abundant and conserved. Nisin resistance determinants were found in 47% of the isolates. Pan-genome and SNPs-based analysis didn’t reveal significant geo-patterns. Our results showed that two SC isolates were misidentified as SI. We propose the presence of four T7SS modules (I–IV) located on various genomic islands. We detected a variety of factors linked to metal ions binding on the GIs carrying T7SS. This is the first detailed report characterizing the T7SS and its link to nisin resistance and metal ions binding in SI. These and yet uncharacterized T7SS transmembrane proteins merit further studies and could represent potential therapeutic targets.
Highlights
Streptococcus intermedius (SI), is a facultatively anaerobic [1], microaerophilic, Gram-positive and beta-hemolytic organism [2], normally inhabiting the flora of oral, oropharyngeal and gastrointestinal tracts [3]
We studied the structural details of the type seven secretion system (T7SS) in SI and related organisms and based on that proposed the presence of four T7SS modules (I–IV) located on various genomic islands (GIs)
We proposed based on the results of our study four T7SS modules were conserved withlocated variations in the phage contents, secretion and transport ilyS.and (I–IV), which were on various genomic islands and showing similaritysystems
Summary
Streptococcus intermedius (SI), is a facultatively anaerobic [1], microaerophilic, Gram-positive and beta-hemolytic organism [2], normally inhabiting the flora of oral, oropharyngeal and gastrointestinal tracts [3]. All are characterized by secreting proteolytic enzymes that damage tissues and contribute to abscess formation [4]. Within this family, SI is the most pathogenic as manifested by low survival rates and prolonged hospitalization [5]. With scarce patient data and only 16 genomes identified as SI being available on NCBI, seven of which are complete genomes, the genetic components underlying pathogenicity, the mechanisms involved in brain abscesses development, and genome diversity are not well characterized. We performed a whole-genome characterization and comparative analysis of LAU_SINT, an SI isolate recovered and linked to brain abscess formation in a 13-year-old boy.
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