Phylogenetic Analysis of Filifactor alocis Strains Isolated from Several Oral Infections Identified a Novel RTX Toxin, FtxA.

ABSTRACT: Filifactor alocis is a Gram-positive asaccharolytic, obligate anaerobic rod of the phylum Firmicutes, and is considered an emerging pathogen in various oral infections, including periodontitis. We here aimed to perform phylogenetic analysis of a genome-sequenced F. alocis type strain (ATCC 35896; CCUG 47790), as well as nine clinical oral strains that we have independently isolated and sequenced, for identification and deeper characterization of novel genomic elements of virulence in this species. We identified that 60% of the strains carried a gene encoding a hitherto unrecognized member of the large repeats-in-toxins (RTX) family, which we have designated as FtxA. The clinical infection origin of the ftxA-positive isolates largely varied. However, according to MLST, a clear monophylogeny

SUBMITTER: Oscarsson J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7692872 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature