Identification of plasmids from Brazilian Chromobacterium violaceum strains

Abstract

Chromobacterium violaceum is an opportunistic pathogen found in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. Chromobacterium violaceum infections are difficult to treat, and many strains are resistant to antibiotics. Recently, a novel plasmid (pChV1) was discovered in the type strain ATCC 12472, suggesting that other C. violaceum strains may harbor extra-chromosomal DNA. The aim of the present study was to detect and compare new plasmids in Brazilian strains of C. violaceum using next-generation sequencing techniques. We obtained draft genomes of six plasmids from strains isolated from the Amazon region and aligned them with pChV1. At least three plasmids, CVAC05, CVACO2, and CVT8, were similar to pChV1. Phylogenetic analysis suggested that these new extra-chromosomal DNA sequences have a common origin with pChV1 but have diverged. Many of the ORFs detected were related to plasmid segregation/maintenance, viral structural proteins, and proteins with unknown functions. These findings may enable better genetic manipulation of C. violaceum, which will enhance our ability to exploit this valuable microorganism in industrial and clinical applications.