Genomic and Phenotypic Characterization of a Novel Bordetella Species.
Category: Research Poster
Author(s): Brandon Schout
Presenter(s): Brandon Schout
Mentors(s): Martha Mehaffy
This study focused on whole genome analysis of bacterial species isolated from a Northern Colorado Dairy farm. The main goal of the study was to use whole genome sequencing to evaluate antimicrobial resistant genes present in enteric bacteria isolated from the environment. A cow bedding sample was obtained and followed with isolation of a non-lactose fermenter bacterial colony. A pure culture of this isolate was used to purify high molecular weight DNA extraction followed by long-read nanopore sequencing. Bioinformatic analysis included de-novo genome assembly and functional genomics to identity the isolate genus and species, and to determine any genes contributing to antibiotic resistance as well as its pathogenicity. These analyses revealed that this isolate was a novel species of the genus Bordetella. Bordetella represent a number of both pathogenic and environmental bacteria. The isolate was found to not have any significant potential for pathogenicity when compared to known pathogenic species of Bordetella, such as Bordetella pertussis. Furthermore, the bacterial genome contains genes for a muti-drug efflux pump providing protection against tetracycline and fluoroquinolone. The genome also contained a gene providing protection against a number of chemical disinfectants. Phylogenetic analysis was also completed, which confirmed that the bacterium was a novel species, and showed that Bordetella petrii was the most closely related species. Due to the classification as a novel species, phenotypic testing is underway.