Whole Genome Sequence Analyses of Antibiotic Resistance and Virulence Genes of <i>S. argenteus</i> ST2250 from Bovine Mastitis

Abstract

Staphylococcus argenteus (S. argenteus) is novel specie within the S. aureus complex (SAC) that is noticeably becoming emerging pathogen both in humans and domesticated animals. Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is one of the most  prevalent causative agents of contagious bovine mastitis and it  can develop resistance easily to almost all antibacterial agents. In the  present study, whole genome sequence approach was used to explore the virulence and resistance potentials of S. argenteus ST2250 isolate from a bovine mastitis clinical case. The sequence type of the isolate was determined using the Genomic multi-locus sequence  typing database. Antimicrobial resistance genes and virulence genes of the isolate were predicted using the Abricate software and  virulence factors database respectively. A number of multiple antibiotic resistance genes and virulence determinants were revealed.  Resistance genes identified were APH(3’)-IIIa, Blaz, arlR, arlS, dfrG, Mep A, Mep R, Sav 1866, norA, tet(34), and tet(L).The virulence genes  detected were closely associated with those found in S. aureus and are known to play critical role in Biofilm formation, synthesis of  capsular proteins, adhesion, secretion, and iron-regulation. The virulent and resistome potentials of this emerging pathogen were  revealed. Horizontal gene transfer may be the possible source of these genes. This emerging pathogen is of increasing public health  importance due to its adoptability and ability to cause disease both animals and humans.