Complete genome sequence of the cystic fibrosis pathogen Achromobacter xylosoxidans NH44784-1996 complies with important pathogenic phenotypes

Tim Holm Jakobsen, Martin Asser Hansen, Peter Østrup Jensen, Lars Hansen, Leise Riber, April Patricia Indera Cockburn, Mette Kolpen, Christine Rønne Hansen, Winnie Ridderberg, Steffen Robert Eickhardt-Sørensen, Marlene Hansen, Peter Kerpedjiev, Morten Alhede, Klaus Qvortrup, Mette Burmølle, Claus Ernst Moser, Michael Kühl, Oana Ciofu, Michael Givskov, Søren Johannes SørensenNiels Høiby, Thomas Bjarnsholt

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Abstract

Achromobacter xylosoxidans is an environmental opportunistic pathogen, which infects an increasing number of immunocompromised patients. In this study we combined genomic analysis of a clinical isolated A. xylosoxidans strain with phenotypic investigations of its important pathogenic features. We present a complete assembly of the genome of A. xylosoxidans NH44784-1996, an isolate from a cystic fibrosis patient obtained in 1996. The genome of A. xylosoxidans NH44784-1996 contains approximately 7 million base pairs with 6390 potential protein-coding sequences. We identified several features that render it an opportunistic human pathogen, We found genes involved in anaerobic growth and the pgaABCD operon encoding the biofilm adhesin poly-β-1,6-N-acetyl-D-glucosamin. Furthermore, the genome contains a range of antibiotic resistance genes coding efflux pump systems and antibiotic modifying enzymes. In vitro studies of A. xylosoxidans NH44784-1996 confirmed the genomic evidence for its ability to form biofilms, anaerobic growth via denitrification, and resistance to a broad range of antibiotics. Our investigation enables further studies of the functionality of important identified genes contributing to the pathogenicity of A. xylosoxidans and thereby improves our understanding and ability to treat this emerging pathogen.
Original languageEnglish
Article numbere68484
JournalP L o S One
Volume8
Issue number7
Number of pages17
ISSN1932-6203
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2013

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