Project description:Mycobacterium xenopi is an opportunistic mycobacterial pathogen of increasing clinical importance. Surveillance of M. xenopi is hampered by the absence of tools for genotyping and molecular epidemiology. In this study, we describe the development and evaluation of an effective multilocus sequence typing strategy for M. xenopi.
Project description:Introduction:Mycobacterium xenopi is a rare opportunistic pathogen mainly causing infections in immunocompromised human patients or those with underlying chronic structural lung disease. Cases of disease in veterinary medicine remain scarce. Few animal species, including birds, are suspected of being vectors of the disease and there has not yet been a report of clinical disease in birds. We report the first case, to our knowledge, of systemic infection in a domestic bird. Case presentation:A female fiery-shouldered conure was submitted after death for necropsy following episodes of heavy breathing. The necropsy revealed multiple granulomatous lesions within the liver, air sacs and kidneys. Ziehl-Neelsen stains demonstrated the presence of numerous intralesional acid-fast bacilli. PCR assays and culture confirmed the presence of M. xenopi. Conclusion:Through this case we hope to describe the characteristics of M. xenopi disease in birds and the possible close relationship between animal and human infections.
Project description:Whole genome sequencing of top priority nontuberculous mycobacteria used in preclinical compound testing at Colorado State University
Project description:Whole genome sequencing of top priority nontuberculous mycobacteria used in preclinical compound testing at Colorado State University
Project description:Mycobacterium heckeshornense is a slow-growing mycobacterial species for which pathogenic features are unclear. Here, we report the complete genome sequence of an M. heckeshornense type strain. This sequence will provide essential information for future taxonomic and comparative genome studies of these mycobacteria.
Project description:The 198-amino-acid in-frame insertion in the gyrA gene of Mycobacterium xenopi is the smallest known naturally occurring active protein splicing element (intein). Comparison with other mycobacterial gyrA inteins suggests that the M. xenopi intein underwent a complex series of events including (i) removal of 222 amino acids that encompass most of the central intein domain, and (ii) addition of a linker of unrelated residues. This naturally occurring genetic rearrangement is a representative characteristic of the taxon. The deletion process removes the conserved motifs involved in homing endonuclease activity. The linker insertion represents a structural requirement, as its mutation resulted in failure to splice. The M. xenopi GyrA intein thus provides a paradigm for a minimal protein splicing element.
Project description:Mycobacterium xenopi is a slow-growing mycobacterial organism for which pathogenic features are unclear. Here, we report the complete genome sequence of an M. xenopi type strain. This sequence will provide essential information for future taxonomic and comparative genome studies of these mycobacteria.