Characterization of methyl parathion degradation by a Burkholderia zhejiangensis strain, CEIB S4-3, isolated from agricultural soils.

Through the use of an enrichment technique, we isolated from the agricultural soils of Morelos in central México a strain of Burkholderia zhejiangensis identified as CEIB S4-3, it's could use the pesticide methyl parathion (MP) as the only source of carbon and degrade completely p-nitrophenol (PNP). For more efficient MP and PNP degradation by the CEIB S4-3 strain, the absence of an extra carbon source, a large inoculum and an MP concentration up to 50 mg/l are required. Sequence and annotation analysis of the draft genome, showed presence of mpd functional gene, which was expressed and its activity on the MP was confirmed. Additionally, the genes coding for enzymes in the benzoquinone pathway (conducted by Gram-negative bacteria) and the benzenotriol pathway (conducted by Gram-positive bacteria) were found, which was corroborated by identification of intermediary metabolites by HPLC. Thus, we propose that B. zhejiangensis CEIB S4-3 uses both degradation pathways.

Draft genome sequencing of Brucella melitensis isolated from aborted Iraqi sheep.

Brucellosis remains a significant zoonotic disease, with Brucella melitensis maintaining endemicity in Middle Eastern nations. This study presents the draft genome sequencing of an Iraqi B. melitensis strain, representing a crucial step in monitoring virulence, antimicrobial resistance, and exploring the diversity and evolution of the Brucella genus.

An Update of Bovine Hemoplasmas Based on Phylogenetic and Genomics Analysis.

Mycoplasma wenyonii and 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemobos' are bacteria that have been described as significant hemoplasmas that infect cattle worldwide. Currently, three bovine hemoplasma genomes are known. This work aimed to describe the main genomic characteristics and the evolutionary relationships between hemoplasmas, and provide a list of epitopes predicted by immunoinformatics as diagnostic candidates for bovine hemoplasmosis. Thus far, there is no vaccine to prevent this disease that economically impacts cattle production worldwide. Additionally, there is a lack of vaccines against bovine hemoplasmosis. In this work, we performed a genomic characterization of hemoplasmas, including two Mexican strains reported in bovines in the last few years. The generated information is a new scenario about the phylogeny of hemoplasmas. Also, we show genomic features among hemoplasmas that strengthen their characteristic genome plasticity of intracellular lifestyles. Finally, the elucidation of antigenic proteins in Mexican strains represents an opportunity to develop molecular detection methods and diagnoses.

Mexican Strains of Anaplasma marginale: A First Comparative Genomics and Phylogeographic Analysis.

The One Health approach looks after animal welfare and demands constant monitoring of the strains that circulate globally to prevent outbreaks. Anaplasma marginale is the etiologic agent of bovine anaplasmosis and is endemic worldwide. This study aimed to analyze, for the first time, the genetic diversity of seven Mexican strains of A. marginale and their relationship with other strains reported. The main features of A. marginale were obtained by characterizing all 24 genomes reported so far. Genetic diversity and phylogeography were analyzed by characterizing the msp1a gene and 5'-UTR microsatellite sequences and constructing a phylogenetic tree with 540 concatenated genes of the core genome. The Mexican strains show 15 different repeat sequences in six MSP1a structures and have phylogeographic relationships with strains from North America, South America, and Asia, which confirms they are highly variable. Based on our results, we encourage the performance of genome sequencing of A. marginale strains to obtain a high assembly level of molecular markers and the performance of extensive phylogeographic analysis. Undoubtedly, genomic surveillance helps build a picture of how a pathogen changes and evolves in geographical regions. However, we cannot discard the study of relationships pathogens establish with ticks and how they have co-evolved to establish themselves as a successful transmission system.

Whole-Genome Sequencing of Mexican Strains of Anaplasma marginale: An Approach to the Causal Agent of Bovine Anaplasmosis.

Anaplasma marginale is the main etiologic agent of bovine anaplasmosis, and it is extensively distributed worldwide. We have previously reported the first genome sequence of a Mexican strain of A. marginale (Mex-01-001-01). In this work, we report the genomic analysis of one strain from Hidalgo (MEX-14-010-01), one from Morelos (MEX-17-017-01), and two strains from Veracruz (MEX-30-184-02 and MEX-30-193-01). We found that the genome average size is 1.16-1.17 Mbp with a GC content close to 49.80%. The genomic comparison reveals that most of the A. marginale genomes are highly conserved and the phylogeny showed that Mexican strains cluster with Brazilian strains. The genomic information contained in the four draft genomes of A. marginale from Mexico will contribute to understanding the molecular landscape of this pathogen.

Immunoinformatic Analysis to Identify Proteins to Be Used as Potential Targets to Control Bovine Anaplasmosis.

Omics sciences and new technologies to sequence full genomes provide valuable data that are revealed only after detailed bioinformatic analysis is performed. In this work, we analyzed the genomes of seven Mexican Anaplasma marginale strains and the data from a transcriptome analysis of the tick Rhipicephalus microplus. The aim of this analysis was to identify protein sequences with predicted features to be used as potential targets to control the bacteria or tick-vector transmission. We chose three amino acid sequences different to all proteins previously reported in A. marginale that have been used as potential vaccine candidates, and also, we report, for the first time, the presence of a peroxinectin protein sequence in the transcriptome of R. microplus, a protein associated with the immune response of ticks. The bioinformatics analyses revealed the presence of B-cell epitopes in all the amino acid sequences chosen, which opens the way for their likely use as single or arranged peptides to develop new strategies for the control and prevention of bovine anaplasmosis transmitted by ticks.

Assessing the Pathogenicity of Two Bacteria Isolated from the Entomopathogenic Nematode Heterorhabditis indica against Galleria mellonella and Some Pest Insects.

The entomopathogenic nematodes Heterorhabditis are parasites of insects and are associated with mutualist symbiosis enterobacteria of the genus Photorhabdus; these bacteria are lethal to their host insects. Heterorhabditis indica MOR03 was isolated from sugarcane soil in Morelos state, Mexico. The molecular identification of the nematode was confirmed using sequences of the ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 region and the D2/D3 expansion segment of the 28S rRNA gene. In addition, two bacteria HIM3 and NA04 strains were isolated from the entomopathogenic nematode. The genomes of both bacteria were sequenced and assembled de novo. Phylogenetic analysis was confirmed by concatenated gene sequence datasets as Photorhabdus luminescens HIM3 (16S rRNA, 23S rRNA, dnaN, gyrA, and gyrB genes) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa NA04 (16S rRNA, 23S rRNA and gyrB genes). H. indica MOR03 infects Galleria mellonella, Tenebrio molitor, Heliothis subflexa, and Diatraea magnifactella larvae with LC50 values of 1.4, 23.5, 13.7, and 21.7 IJs/cm², respectively, at 48 h. These bacteria are pathogenic to various insects and have high injectable insecticide activity at 24 h.

Draft Genome Sequences of Anaplasma marginale Strains MEX-15-099-01 and MEX-31-096-01, Two Mexican Isolates with Different Degrees of Virulence.

Anaplasma marginale is an intraerythrocytic bacterium that causes bovine anaplasmosis and is endemic in Mexico. In this work, we report two draft genome sequences of Mexican isolates from different geographical regions and with different degrees of virulence.

Draft Genome Sequence of Mycoplasma wenyonii, a Second Hemotropic Mycoplasma Species Identified in Mexican Bovine Cattle.

The hemotropic mycoplasma (hemoplasma) Mycoplasma wenyonii is an animal pathogen that affects bovine cattle health. Here, we present the draft genome sequence of the hemoplasma M. wenyonii strain INIFAP02 found in cattle from Mexico.

Draft Genome Sequence of Anaplasma marginale Strain Mex-01-001-01, a Mexican Strain That Causes Bovine Anaplasmosis.

Bovine anaplasmosis is an arthropod-borne hemolytic disease caused by Anaplasma marginale. While only a few Anaplasma marginale strains have been reported, no Mexican strains have been reported. Due to the genetic diversity of A. marginale, the genome of the strain Mex-01-001-01, isolated in Mexico, represents a new source of information.

Draft Genome Sequence of Photorhabdus luminescens HIM3 Isolated from an Entomopathogenic Nematode in Agricultural Soils.

In this work, we report the draft genome sequence of Photorhabdus luminescens strain HIM3, a symbiotic bacterium associated with the entomopathogenic nematode Heterorhabditis indica MOR03, isolated from soil sugarcane in Yautepec, Morelos, Mexico. These bacteria have a G+C content of 42.6% and genome size of 5.47 Mb.

Draft Genome Sequence of "Candidatus Mycoplasma haemobos," a Hemotropic Mycoplasma Identified in Cattle in Mexico.

We present here the draft genome sequence of the first "Candidatus Mycoplasma haemobos" strain found in cattle in Mexico. This hemotropic mycoplasma causes acute and chronic disease in animals. This genome is a starting point for studying the role of this mycoplasma in coinfections and synergistic mechanisms associated with the disease.

Draft Genome Sequence of Burkholderia cenocepacia Strain CEIB S5-2, a Methyl Parathion- and p-Nitrophenol-Degrading Bacterium, Isolated from Agricultural Soils in Morelos, Mexico.

Burkholderia cenocepacia is an opportunistic pathogen that belongs to Burkholderia cepacia complex (BCC). Burkholderia cenocepacia strain CEIB S5-2 was isolated from agricultural soils in Morelos, Mexico, and previously has shown its abilities for bioremediation. In this study, we report the draft genome sequence of Burkholderia cenocepacia strain CEIB S5-2.

Burkholderia cenocepacia Strain CEIB S5-1, a Rhizosphere-Inhabiting Bacterium with Potential in Bioremediation.

Burkholderia cenocepacia is considered an opportunistic pathogen from humans and may cause disease in plants. A bioprospection from a plaguicide-contaminated agricultural field in Mexico identified several methyl parathion-degrading bacteria. Here, we report the draft genome sequence of B. cenocepacia strain CEIB S5-1, which gave us clues into ecological biodiversity.

Identification of a new Alcaligenes faecalis strain MOR02 and assessment of its toxicity and pathogenicity to insects.

We report the isolation of a bacterium from Galleria mellonella larva and its identification using genome sequencing and phylogenomic analysis. This bacterium was named Alcaligenes faecalis strain MOR02. Microscopic analyses revealed that the bacteria are located in the esophagus and intestine of the nematodes Steinernema feltiae, S. carpocapsae, and H. bacteriophora. Using G. mellonella larvae as a model, when the larvae were injected with 24,000 CFU in their hemocoel, more than 96% mortality was achieved after 24 h. Additionally, toxicity assays determined that 1 µg of supernatant extract from A. faecalis MOR02 killed more than 70% G. mellonella larvae 96 h after injection. A correlation of experimental data with sequence genome analyses was also performed. We discovered genes that encode proteins and enzymes that are related to pathogenicity, toxicity, and host/environment interactions that may be responsible for the observed phenotypic characteristics. Our data demonstrates that the bacteria are able to use different strategies to colonize nematodes and kill insects to their own benefit. However, there remains an extensive group of unidentified microorganisms that could be participating in the infection process. Additionally, a nematode-bacterium association could be established probably as a strategy of dispersion and colonization.

A Newly Sequenced Alcaligenes faecalis Strain: Implications for Novel Temporal Symbiotic Relationships.

We report here the draft genome sequence of Alcaligenes faecalis strain MOR02, a bacterium that is able to colonize nematodes in a temporary fashion and kill insects for their own benefit. The availability of the genome should enable us to explain these phenotypes.

Draft Genome Sequence of the Organophosphorus Compound-Degrading Burkholderia zhejiangensis Strain CEIB S4-3.

Burkholderia species are widely distributed in the environment. A Burkholderia zhejiangensis strain was isolated from pesticide-contaminated soil from an agricultural field in Mexico and identified as an organophosphorus compound-degrading bacterium. In this study, we report the draft genome sequence of Burkholderia zhejiangensis strain CEIB S4-3.