Epidemiologic and pathogenic features of an emerging enteropathogen, Escherichia albertii

2015 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 25460539
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Research Field: Bacteriology (including mycology)
• Research Institution: Kagoshima University (2015); University of Miyazaki (2013-2014)
• Principal Investigator: OOKA TADASUKE 鹿児島大学, 医歯学域医学系, 講師 (50363594)
• Project Period (FY): 2013-04-01 – 2016-03-31
• Keywords: Escherichia albertii / ゲノム / 病原性 / 検出系 / 新興下痢症起因菌 / III型分泌機構

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Escherichia albertii is an emerging enteropathogen. We developed a nested PCR system to detect E. albertii effectively and directly from feces or environmental samples. To understand the host species distribution of E. albertii, we performed screening from human and animal feces with the system. The screening revealed that E. albertii detected in pig and free-range chicken with an high frequency but not in healthy individual. We also determined the draft genome sequences of 26 E. albertii strains isolated from animal and diarrheal patients and performed robust intra-species and intra-genus genomic comparisons. Our analysis identified the core genome of E. albertii, the accessory genome specific to E. albertii, and a possible core genome of the genus Escherichia. Several unique or notable genetic features of E. albertii have also been identified. These data provide insights into the genomic evolution, adaptation, and virulence mechanisms of E. albertii.

Free Research Field

細菌学、ゲノム微生物学