Whole genomic sequence analysis of Bacillus infantis: defining the genetic blueprint of strain NRRL B-14911, an emerging cardiopathogenic microbe

Authors

Chandirasegara Massilamany, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Akram Mohammed, University of Nebraska Medical Center
John Dustin Loy, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Tanya Purvis, Kansas State Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory
Bharathi Krishnan, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Rakesh H. Basavalingappa, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Christy M. Kelley, U.S. Meat Animal Research Center
Chittibabu GudaFollow
Raúl G. Barletta, University of Nebraska - LincolnFollow
Etsuko N. Moriyama, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Timothy P.L. Smith, U.S. Meat Animal Research CenterFollow
Jay Reddy, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow

Document Type

Article

Date of this Version

2016

Citation

BMC Genomics 2016, 17(Suppl 7):511

Comments

Copyright 2016 The Author(s)

Abstract

Background: We recently reported the identification of Bacillus sp. NRRL B-14911 that induces heart autoimmunity by generating cardiac-reactive T cells through molecular mimicry. This marine bacterium was originally isolated from the Gulf of Mexico, but no associations with human diseases were reported. Therefore, to characterize its biological and medical significance, we sought to determine and analyze the complete genome sequence of Bacillus sp. NRRL B-14911.

Results: Based on the phylogenetic analysis of 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes, sequence analysis of the 16S-23S rDNA intergenic transcribed spacers, phenotypic microarray, and matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-offlight mass spectrometry, we propose that this organism belongs to the species Bacillus infantis, previously shown to be associated with sepsis in a newborn child. Analysis of the complete genome of Bacillus sp. NRRL B-14911 revealed several virulence factors including adhesins, invasins, colonization factors, siderophores and transporters. Likewise, the bacterial genome encodes a wide range of methyl transferases, transporters, enzymatic and biochemical pathways, and insertion sequence elements that are distinct from other closely related bacilli.

Conclusions: The complete genome sequence of Bacillus sp. NRRL B-14911 provided in this study may facilitate genetic manipulations to assess gene functions associated with bacterial survival and virulence. Additionally, this bacterium may serve as a useful tool to establish a disease model that permits systematic analysis of autoimmune events in various susceptible rodent strains.