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- Title
The multidrug-resistant human pathogen Clostridium difficile has a highly mobile, mosaic genome.
- Authors
Sebaihia, Mohammed; Wren, Brendan W.; Mullany, Peter; Fairweather, Neil F.; Minton, Nigel; Stabler, Richard; Thomson, Nicholas R.; Roberts, Adam P.; Cerdeño-Tárraga, Ana M.; Hongmei Wang; Holden, Matthew T. G.; Wright, Anne; Churcher, Carol; Quail, Michael A.; Baker, Stephen; Bason, Nathalie; Brooks, Karen; Chillingworth, Tracey; Cronin, Ann; Davis, Paul
- Abstract
We determined the complete genome sequence of Clostridium difficile strain 630, a virulent and multidrug-resistant strain. Our analysis indicates that a large proportion (11%) of the genome consists of mobile genetic elements, mainly in the form of conjugative transposons. These mobile elements are putatively responsible for the acquisition by C. difficile of an extensive array of genes involved in antimicrobial resistance, virulence, host interaction and the production of surface structures. The metabolic capabilities encoded in the genome show multiple adaptations for survival and growth within the gut environment. The extreme genome variability was confirmed by whole-genome microarray analysis; it may reflect the organism's niche in the gut and should provide information on the evolution of virulence in this organism.
- Subjects
CLOSTRIDIOIDES difficile; GENOMES; GENETICS; PATHOGENIC bacteria; PATHOGENIC microorganisms; BACTERIAL diseases; MOLECULAR genetics; MOBILE genetic elements
- Publication
Nature Genetics, 2006, Vol 38, Issue 7, p779
- ISSN
1061-4036
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1038/ng1830