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BMC genomics2024; 25(1); 886; doi: 10.1186/s12864-024-10789-y

Unravelling the main genomic features of Mycoplasma equirhinis.

Abstract: Mycoplasma spp. are wall-less bacteria with small genomes (usually 0.5-1.5 Mb). Many Mycoplasma (M.) species are known to colonize the respiratory tract of both humans and livestock animals, where they act as primary pathogens or opportunists. M. equirhinis was described for the first time in 1975 in horses but has been poorly studied since, despite regular reports of around 14% prevalence in equine respiratory disorders. We recently showed that M. equirhinis is not a primary pathogen but could play a role in co-infections of the respiratory tract. This study was a set up to propose the first genomic characterization to better our understanding of the M. equirhinis species. Results: Four circularized genomes, two of which were generated here, were compared in terms of synteny, gene content, and specific features associated with virulence or genome plasticity. An additional 20 scaffold-level genomes were used to analyse intra-species diversity through a pangenome phylogenetic approach. The M. equirhinis species showed consistent genomic homogeneity, pointing to potential clonality of isolates despite their varied geographical origins (UK, Japan and various places in France). Three different classes of mobile genetic elements have been detected: insertion sequences related to the IS1634 family, a putative prophage related to M. arthritidis and integrative conjugative elements related to M. arginini. The core genome harbours the typical putative virulence-associated genes of mycoplasmas mainly involved in cytoadherence and immune escape. Conclusions: M. equirhinis is a highly syntenic, homogeneous species with a limited repertoire of mobile genetic elements and putative virulence genes.
© 2024. The Author(s).
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Publication Date: 2024-09-20 PubMed ID: 39304803PubMed Central: PMC11414048DOI: 10.1186/s12864-024-10789-yGoogle 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 provides the first comprehensive genomic characterization of Mycoplasma equirhinis, a bacterial species commonly found in horses’ respiratory tracts but not well understood.
  • The research explores the genome structure, genetic diversity, and potential virulence factors of M. equirhinis to better understand its role in respiratory infections alongside other pathogens.

Background

  • Mycoplasma spp. are bacteria lacking a cell wall, with relatively small genomes between 0.5 and 1.5 megabases.
  • They inhabit the respiratory tracts of humans and animals, where some species are known to cause or contribute to disease.
  • M. equirhinis was first identified in horses in 1975, with about 14% prevalence reported in horses suffering respiratory disorders.
  • Previous research indicated M. equirhinis is not a primary pathogen but might contribute to co-infections in the respiratory system.

Research Objectives

  • To generate and analyze genomic data for M. equirhinis, which had not been genomically characterized before.
  • To compare genomes from different isolates collected from diverse geographical regions (UK, Japan, France) to assess genetic diversity and clonality.
  • To identify mobile genetic elements and putative virulence genes associated with M. equirhinis.

Methods

  • Four complete circular genomes of M. equirhinis were studied; two were newly sequenced in this study.
  • Genomic comparisons were made to evaluate synteny (gene order conservation), gene content, and features linked to virulence or genome flexibility.
  • An additional 20 genome sequences, though at scaffold level (not fully complete), were analyzed using a pangenome phylogenetic approach to understand within-species diversity.

Key Findings

  • The M. equirhinis genomes showed high synteny and homogeneity, suggesting limited genetic variability and potential clonality among strains despite their diverse geographic origins.
  • Three classes of mobile genetic elements were identified:
    • Insertion sequences related to IS1634 family.
    • A prophage element related to Mycoplasma arthritidis.
    • Integrative conjugative elements related to Mycoplasma arginini.
  • The core genome contains typical putative virulence genes seen in mycoplasmas, primarily involved in:
    • Cytoadherence – allowing attachment to host cells.
    • Immune evasion mechanisms – assisting the bacteria in escaping host immune responses.

Conclusions and Implications

  • M. equirhinis is genetically stable and homogeneous with limited diversity across different geographic isolates, which may affect how it adapts and spreads.
  • The species possesses a restricted set of mobile elements and virulence factors, which supports the idea that it is more of an opportunistic co-infecting agent rather than a primary pathogen.
  • Understanding the genomic makeup and potential virulence of M. equirhinis helps clarify its role in equine respiratory diseases and could guide future diagnostics or treatments targeting co-infections.

Cite This Article

APA
Martineau M, Ambroset C, Lefebvre S, Kokabi É, Léon A, Tardy F. (2024). Unravelling the main genomic features of Mycoplasma equirhinis. BMC Genomics, 25(1), 886. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12864-024-10789-y

Publication

BMC genomics
ISSN: 1471-2164
NlmUniqueID: 100965258
Country: England
Language: English
Volume: 25
Issue: 1
Pages: 886
PII: 886

Researcher Affiliations

Martineau, Matthieu
  • Research Department, LABÉO, Saint-Contest, Caen, F-14000, France.
  • University of Caen Normandie, University of Rouen Normandie, INSERM, Normandie Univ, DYNAMICURE UMR 1311, Caen, F-14000, France.
  • University of Lyon, Anses, VetAgro Sup, UMR Animal Mycoplasmosis, Lyon, F-69007, France.
Ambroset, Chloé
  • University of Lyon, Anses, VetAgro Sup, UMR Animal Mycoplasmosis, Lyon, F-69007, France.
Lefebvre, Stéphanie
  • University of Lyon, Anses, VetAgro Sup, UMR Animal Mycoplasmosis, Lyon, F-69007, France.
Kokabi, Éléna
  • Research Department, LABÉO, Saint-Contest, Caen, F-14000, France.
  • University of Caen Normandie, University of Rouen Normandie, INSERM, Normandie Univ, DYNAMICURE UMR 1311, Caen, F-14000, France.
Léon, Albertine
  • Research Department, LABÉO, Saint-Contest, Caen, F-14000, France.
  • University of Caen Normandie, University of Rouen Normandie, INSERM, Normandie Univ, DYNAMICURE UMR 1311, Caen, F-14000, France.
Tardy, Florence
  • University of Lyon, Anses, VetAgro Sup, UMR Animal Mycoplasmosis, Lyon, F-69007, France. florence.tardy@anses.fr.
  • Anses, Ploufragan-Plouzané-Niort Laboratory-Mycoplasmology, Bacteriology and Antimicrobial, Resistance Unit, Ploufragan, F-22440, France. florence.tardy@anses.fr.

MeSH Terms

  • Mycoplasma / genetics
  • Mycoplasma / pathogenicity
  • Genome, Bacterial
  • Phylogeny
  • Genomics / methods
  • Animals
  • Horses
  • Virulence / genetics
  • Mycoplasma Infections / veterinary
  • Mycoplasma Infections / microbiology

Grant Funding

  • CS-2020-2023-022-MYCOPAB / Institut Français du Cheval et de l'Equitation (IFCE)
  • N15-2020 / Fonds Eperon
  • GIS20-SEP-01 / GIS (Groupement d'Intérêt Scientifique) CENTAURE

Conflict of Interest Statement

The authors declare no competing interests.

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Citations

This article has been cited 1 times.
  1. Derriche M, Nouvel LX, Gaudino M, Sagné E, Simon E, Robert H, Pot G, Meyer G, de la Fe C, Arfi Y, Maillard R, Citti C, Baranowski E. Bacterial conjugation in the ruminant pathogen Mycoplasma agalactiae is influenced by eukaryotic host factors.. Appl Environ Microbiol 2025 Jun 18;91(6):e0086825.
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