First comparative genomics analysis of Corynebacterium auriscanis

• Published in: Memórias do Instituto Oswaldo Cruz Vol. 119; p. e240156
• Main Authors: Vinhal, Ana Lua de Oliveira, de Araújo, Max Roberto Batista, Rodrigues, Evandro Bento, Castro, Diogo Luiz de Carvalho, Pereira, Carine Rodrigues, Custódio, Dircéia Aparecida Costa, Dorneles, Elaine Maria Seles, Aburjaile, Flávia Figueira, Brenig, Bertram, Azevedo, Vasco, Viana, Marcus Vinicius Canário
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Brazil Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Ministério da Saúde 2024
• Subjects: Animals; Corynebacterium - classification; Corynebacterium - genetics; Corynebacterium - isolation & purification; Corynebacterium - pathogenicity; Corynebacterium Infections - microbiology; Dogs; Genome, Bacterial - genetics; Genomics; PARASITOLOGY; TROPICAL MEDICINE; Virulence - genetics; Virulence Factors - genetics; zoonosis; comparative genomics; Corynebacterium
• ISSN: 0074-0276; 1678-8060; 1678-8060
• DOI: 10.1590/0074-02760240156

Corynebacterium auriscanis is a bacterial species frequently isolated from dogs with external otitis or dermatitis and a zoonotic pathogen transmitted by dog bite. It is considered an opportunistic pathogen, but its pathogenicity mechanisms are poorly studied. Comparative genomics can identify virulence and niche factors that could contribute to understanding its lifestyle.
The objectives of this project was to compare genomes of C. auriscanis to identify genes related to its virulence and lifestyle.
The genome of strain 32 was sequenced using Illumina HiSeq 2500 (Illumina, CA, USA) and assembled using Unicycler. The two other non-redundant genomes from the same species available in GenBank were included in the analysis. All genomes were annotated and checked for taxonomy, assembly quality, mobile elements, CRISPR-Cas systems, and virulence and antimicrobial resistance genes. The virulence genes in the three genomes were compared to the ones from other pathogens commonly isolated with C. auriscanis.
The species has 42 virulence factors that can be classified as niche factors, due to the absence of true virulence factors found in primary pathogens. The gene rbpA could confer basal levels of resistance to rifampin.
The absence of true virulence factors in the three genomes suggests C. auriscanis has an opportunistic pathogen lifestyle.