Whole genome sequences, de novo assembly, and annotation of antibiotic resistant Campylobacter jejuni strains S27, S33, and S36 newly isolated from chicken meat

Authors: He, Yiping; Kanrar, Siddhartha; REED, SUE - Former ARS Employee; Lee, Joseph - Joe; Capobianco, Joseph

Submitted to: Microorganisms
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 1/11/2024
Publication Date: 1/13/2024
Citation: He, Y., Kanrar, S., Reed, S., Lee, J., Capobianco Jr, J.A. 2024. Whole genome sequences, de novo assembly, and annotation of antibiotic resistant Campylobacter jejuni strains S27, S33, and S36 newly isolated from chicken meat. Microorganisms. 12(1):159. https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12010159.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12010159

Interpretive Summary: Campylobacter is a leading bacterial cause of food poisoning worldwide, responsible for an estimated 400 million cases of illness annually. Most cases are acquired through the consumption of undercooked poultry meat. This study provides new insights into the biology of Campylobacter jejuni, the most important species responsible for human campylobacteriosis. DNA sequencing technology was used to examine C. jejuni strains isolated from retail chicken. Several virulence and antibiotic resistance genes were identified, as well as type IV and VI secretion systems and phages in some strains. The identification of these genetic features in C. jejuni strains isolated from retail chicken is concerning, as it suggests that these bacteria may be capable of causing severe illness and may be resistant to antibiotic treatment. Additionally, the presence of type IV and VI secretion system containing plasmids and phages suggests that these bacteria may have evolved mechanisms to evade the host immune system and to spread to other bacteria. This study provides valuable information that can be used to develop more effective food safety and public health interventions. Additionally, the understanding of how C. jejuni interacts with host cells and spreads to other bacteria could lead to the development of new therapies for campylobacteriosis.

Technical Abstract: Campylobacter is a leading bacterial cause of gastrointestinal infections in human and has imposed substantial medical and public health burdens worldwide. Among a total of 39 species in the Campylobacter genus, C. jejuni is the most important species responsible for approx. 90% of human Campylobacter illness. Most cases of the infection were acquired by ingesting undercooked poultry meat due to the high prevalence of Campylobacter in the products. Here, we reported the dataset of raw sequences, de novo assembled and annotated genomes of C. jejuni strains S27, S33, and S36 recently isolated from retail chicken by using PacBio highly accurate long-read sequencing technology combined with bioinformatics tools. Our data revealed a number of virulence and antibiotic resistance genes in each of the chromosomes, a type IV secretion system in the plasmid (pCjS33) of C. jejuni S33, and a type VI secretion system and a phage in the plasmid (pCjS36) of C. jejuni S36. This study not only provides new sequence data but also extends the knowledge pertaining to the genomic and functional aspects of this important foodborne pathogen, including the genetic determinants of virulence and antibiotic resistance.