Scientists have recently discovered a new virulence gene through a comprehensive genome analysis of Providencia rustigianii, a bacterium that can lead to severe food poisoning symptoms.
Salmonella and E. coli are widely recognized as bacteria responsible for foodborne illnesses, whereas Providencia species are less well understood, despite being another potential source of serious symptoms. Providencia rustigianii, which has been isolated from children experiencing gastroenteritis, has now been analyzed through whole genome sequencing by a research team led by Professor Shinji Yamasaki from Osaka Metropolitan University’s Graduate School of Veterinary Science and the Osaka International Research Center for Infectious Diseases.
Previously, the team reported that P. rustigianii contains a cytolethal distending toxin virulence gene located on its plasmid. Interestingly, removing this gene did not diminish the bacteria’s capability to cause illness.
This latest genome sequencing has uncovered that P. rustigianii also has a virulence factor known as the type III secretion system. This particular system shows striking similarities to a gene found in Salmonella, and it plays a critical role in the bacterium’s ability to invade cells and exhibit enterotoxic properties, marking it as a key virulence factor for P. rustigianii.
“We plan to use the pathogenicity gene identified in this research as a marker to develop a detection system for pathogenic varieties of Providencia in wildlife, water sources, livestock, and food. This system is expected to help trace natural hosts, identify infection sources, and understand transmission pathways,” stated Professor Yamasaki. “Additionally, understanding how the type III secretion system contributes to pathogenicity may pave the way for the creation of treatment methods that do not rely on antimicrobial drugs.”
