Lineage-specific virulence determinants of Haemophilus influenzae biogroup aegyptius

Emerg Infect Dis. 2012 Mar;18(3):449-57. doi: 10.3201/eid1803.110728.

Abstract

An emergent clone of Haemophilus influenzae biogroup aegyptius (Hae) is responsible for outbreaks of Brazilian purpuric fever (BPF). First recorded in Brazil in 1984, the so-called BPF clone of Hae caused a fulminant disease that started with conjunctivitis but developed into septicemic shock; mortality rates were as high as 70%. To identify virulence determinants, we conducted a pan-genomic analysis. Sequencing of the genomes of the BPF clone strain F3031 and a noninvasive conjunctivitis strain, F3047, and comparison of these sequences with 5 other complete H. influenzae genomes showed that >77% of the F3031 genome is shared among all H. influenzae strains. Delineation of the Hae accessory genome enabled characterization of 163 predicted protein-coding genes; identified differences in established autotransporter adhesins; and revealed a suite of novel adhesins unique to Hae, including novel trimeric autotransporter adhesins and 4 new fimbrial operons. These novel adhesins might play a critical role in host-pathogen interactions.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adhesins, Bacterial / genetics
  • Gene Order
  • Genome, Bacterial
  • Haemophilus Infections / microbiology*
  • Haemophilus influenzae / classification
  • Haemophilus influenzae / genetics*
  • Haemophilus influenzae / pathogenicity*
  • Host-Pathogen Interactions
  • Humans
  • Molecular Sequence Annotation
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Operon
  • Phylogeny
  • Sequence Homology
  • Virulence
  • Virulence Factors / genetics

Substances

  • Adhesins, Bacterial
  • Virulence Factors

Associated data

  • GENBANK/FQ670178
  • GENBANK/FQ670204