Multi-host distribution of Rhodococcus equi (Prescottella equi) strains and their phylogenomic clustering
Using a genomic approach we report host-specific strains that serve as carriers of virulence-associated plasmids, indicating an adaptation strategy within distinct R. equi lineages. The existence of shared plasmid profiles between farm animals and humans suggests a common infection source. Our results contribute to an improved understanding of the global genetic diversity of virulent and environmental R. equi strains, which will benefit from additional molecular epidemiological studies including strains from unrepresented geographical areas.
Authors
- Giovanni Ghielmetti (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3936-9687)
- Sonja Kittl (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8887-9069)
- Marc J. A. Stevens (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0911-6117)
- Bettina Schulthess (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1562-4583)
- Nicole Cernela
- Roger Stephan (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1002-4762)
- Michael Biggel (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1337-2132)
- Jacques Schrenzel (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5464-7764)
- Peter M. Keller (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2890-5384)
- Sarah Schmitt (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7222-0331)
Institutions
- University of Bern (CH)
- Bern University of Applied Sciences (CH)
- University of Zurich (CH)
- University Hospital of Basel (CH)
- Hospital Base (CL)
- University Hospital of Geneva (CH)
Publication Details
- Journal
- BMC Microbiology
- Published
- 2025-07-21
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1186/s12866-025-04152-8
- Citations
- 1
- Primary Topic
- Infectious Disease Case Reports and Treatments
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 1.40