Rapid evolution of virulence and drug resistance in the emerging zoonotic pathogen Streptococcus suis.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Streptococcus suis is a zoonotic pathogen that infects pigs and can occasionally cause serious infections in humans. S. suis infections occur sporadically in human Europe and North America, but a recent major outbreak has been described in China with high levels of mortality. The mechanisms of S. suis pathogenesis in humans and pigs are poorly understood.

Methodology/principal findings

The sequencing of whole genomes of S. suis isolates provides opportunities to investigate the genetic basis of infection. Here we describe whole genome sequences of three S. suis strains from the same lineage: one from European pigs, and two from human cases from China and Vietnam. Comparative genomic analysis was used to investigate the variability of these strains. S. suis is phyl

SUBMITTER: Holden MT 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2705793 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature