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The Journal of veterinary medical science2024; 86(8); 828-832; doi: 10.1292/jvms.23-0342

Genetic analysis based on next generation sequencing of Streptococcus equi subsp. equi isolated from horses imported into Japan.

Abstract: Strangles is a globally widespread, commonly diagnosed and important infectious disease of equids caused by Streptococcus equi subsp. equi. We performed whole genome sequencing of 19 S. equi isolates collected from imported horses at the Japanese border. Of these isolates, 15 isolates were obtained from clinical cases and 4 were from subclinical cases. The 19 isolates were grouped into 3 Bayesian analysis of population structure (BAPS) groups by the core genome single nucleotide polymorphism analysis corresponding to exporting country, SeM typing, or exporter of the horses. The 19 isolates possessed same pathogenic genes regardless of clinical status in imported horses and no antimicrobial resistance genes. The disease status of the horses may rather reflect the prior exposure of animals with sub-clinical infection to S. equi.
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Publication Date: 2024-06-18 PubMed ID: 38897953PubMed Central: PMC11300130DOI: 10.1292/jvms.23-0342Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

Overview

  • This study analyzed the genetics of Streptococcus equi subsp. equi bacteria isolated from horses imported into Japan using whole genome sequencing.
  • The research provides insights into the strain differences, pathogenic genes, and antimicrobial resistance profiles of the bacteria in horses showing clinical and subclinical strangles disease.

Background

  • Strangles is an important infectious disease in horses caused by the bacterium Streptococcus equi subsp. equi.
  • It is widespread globally and affects equids, leading to significant health and economic impacts.
  • The disease can present as clinical (showing obvious symptoms) or subclinical (without clear symptoms but infected).

Research Aim

  • To perform genetic analysis of S. equi strains isolated from imported horses at Japan’s border.
  • To understand the genetic variation, relatedness, and presence of pathogenic or antimicrobial resistance genes.
  • To explore possible links between bacterial genetics and clinical or subclinical disease manifestations in the horses.

Methodology

  • Whole genome sequencing was conducted on 19 S. equi isolates collected from horses imported into Japan.
  • Among these isolates, 15 were from horses with clinical strangles and 4 were from horses with subclinical infections.
  • Analyses included:
    • Core genome single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis to assess genetic differences.
    • Bayesian analysis of population structure (BAPS) to group isolates based on genetic similarity.
    • SeM typing, a molecular typing method based on the diversity of the SeM gene, which is important for classifying S. equi strains.
    • Screening for known pathogenic genes and antimicrobial resistance genes.

Results

  • The 19 S. equi isolates were clustered into three distinct groups (BAPS groups) based on their core genome SNP profiles.
  • These groups corresponded clearly to:
    • The exporting country of the horses.
    • SeM typing results.
    • The exporters themselves, indicating a relationship between bacterial populations and horse origin or source.
  • All isolates, regardless of whether they came from clinical or subclinical horses, possessed the same set of pathogenic genes.
  • No antimicrobial resistance genes were identified in any of the isolates, suggesting these bacterial populations remain susceptible to antibiotics.
  • The clinical status (presence or absence of symptoms) in horses may more likely depend on prior exposure and immune status rather than genetic differences in the bacterial strains.

Conclusions and Implications

  • Genomic data suggest that S. equi strains from imported horses are genetically grouped by their source country and exporter, reflecting importation pathways.
  • The uniform presence of pathogenic genes across isolates implies that strain genetics alone do not determine clinical disease manifestation.
  • The absence of antimicrobial resistance genes supports current treatment efficacy but indicates ongoing surveillance is necessary.
  • Subclinical carriers pose a risk for disease spread since they harbor bacteria genetically similar to those causing overt disease.
  • These findings highlight the importance of monitoring horse imports to prevent strangles outbreaks and inform disease control strategies.

Cite This Article

APA
Nakajima K, Kasuya K, Senba H, Tagami K, Kinoshita Y, Niwa H. (2024). Genetic analysis based on next generation sequencing of Streptococcus equi subsp. equi isolated from horses imported into Japan. J Vet Med Sci, 86(8), 828-832. https://doi.org/10.1292/jvms.23-0342

Publication

The Journal of veterinary medical science
ISSN: 1347-7439
NlmUniqueID: 9105360
Country: Japan
Language: English
Volume: 86
Issue: 8
Pages: 828-832

Researcher Affiliations

Nakajima, Kei
  • Moji Branch Shinmoji Quarantine Facility, Animal Quarantine Service, MAFF, Fukuoka, Japan.
Kasuya, Kazufumi
  • Microbiological Examination Division, Laboratory Department, Animal Quarantine Service, MAFF, Kanagawa, Japan.
Senba, Hironobu
  • Pathological and Physiochemical Examination Division, Laboratory Department, Animal Quarantine Service, MAFF, Kanagawa, Japan.
Tagami, Katsunori
  • Moji Branch Shinmoji Quarantine Facility, Animal Quarantine Service, MAFF, Fukuoka, Japan.
Kinoshita, Yuta
  • Microbiology Division, Equine Research Institute, Japan Racing Association, Tochigi, Japan.
Niwa, Hidekazu
  • Microbiology Division, Equine Research Institute, Japan Racing Association, Tochigi, Japan.

MeSH Terms

  • Horses
  • Animals
  • Horse Diseases / microbiology
  • Japan
  • Streptococcal Infections / veterinary
  • Streptococcal Infections / microbiology
  • High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing / veterinary
  • Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide
  • Whole Genome Sequencing
  • Streptococcus / genetics
  • Streptococcus / isolation & purification
  • Streptococcus equi / genetics
  • Streptococcus equi / isolation & purification
  • Genome, Bacterial

Conflict of Interest Statement

The authors declare no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

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