Comparative Genomics Reveals Pathogenicity-Related Loci in Shewanella algae

Abstract

Shewanella algae is an emerging marine zoonotic pathogen and accounts for considerable mortality and morbidity in compromised hosts. However, there is scarce literature related to the understanding of the genetic background of virulence determinants in S. algae. In this study, we aim to determine the occurrence of common virulence genes in S. algae using whole-genome sequence and comparative genomic analysis. Comparative genomics reveals putative-virulence genes related to bile resistance, chemotaxis, hemolysis, and motility. We detected the existence of hlyA, hlyD, and hlyIII involved in hemolysis. We also found chemotaxis gene cluster cheYZA operon and cheW gene. The results provide insights into the genetic basis underlying pathogenicity in S. algae.