Comparison of the first whole genome sequence of ‘Haemophilus quentini’ with two new strains of ‘Haemophilus quentini’ and other species ofHaemophilus

Abstract

Comparison of the genome of the Gram negative human pathogen Haemophilus quentini MP1 with other species of Haemophilus revealed that, although it is more closely related to Haemophilus haemolyticus than Haemophilus influenzae, the pathogen is in fact genetically distinct, a finding confirmed by phylogenetic analysis using the H. influenzae multilocus sequence typing genes. Further comparison with two other H. quentini strains recently identified in Canada revealed that these three genomes are more closely related than any other species of Haemophilus; however, there is still some sequence variation. There was no evidence of acquired antimicrobial resistance within the H. quentini MP1 genome nor any mutations within the DNA gyrase or topoisomerase IV genes known to confer resistance to fluoroquinolones, which has been previously identified in other H. quentini isolates. We hope by presenting the annotation and genetic comparison of the H. quentini MP1 genome it will aid the future molecular detection of this potentially emerging pathogen via the identification of unique genes that differentiate it from other species of Haemophilus.