Unveiling genome plasticity and a novel phage inMycoplasma felis: genomic investigations of four feline isolates

Abstract

We present the complete genomes of four clinical isolates ofMycoplasma felisfrom three domestic cats, assembled with the aid of short and long read sequencing methods. The completed genomes encode a median of 759 open reading frames (min, 743, max 777) and a median 98.2% average nucleotide identity to that of the available equid origin reference strain. Comparative genomic analysis revealed the occurrence of multiple horizontal gene transfer (HGT) events and genome reassortment. This resulted in the acquisition or loss of numerous genes within the Australian felid genomes, encoding putative proteins involved in DNA transfer, metabolism, DNA replication, host cell interaction, and restriction modification systems. Additionally, a novel mycoplasma phage was detected in one Australian felidM. felisisolate via genomic analysis and visualised via cryo transmission electron microscopy. This research identifies complex genomic dynamics and evolutionary adaptation of mycoplasmas to different host environments. Furthermore, the sequences obtained in this work are important for the development of new diagnostic tools, and identification of future infection control and treatment options for respiratory disease complex in cats.Data summaryAll genome data for this study have been deposited in GenBank under BioProject PRJNA906261. Genome assemblies, as well as Illumina and Oxford Nanopore sequence reads for each isolate can be found under their respective BioSamples:SAMN32182834(isolate 047),SAMN32182835(isolate 219),SAMN32182836(isolate 329), andSAMN32182837(isolate 632). The authors confirm all supporting data and protocols have been provided within the article.Impact statementMycoplasma felisis commonly associated with clinical cases of conjunctivitis and feline respiratory disease complex in cats, the leading cause of euthanasia in shelters. In the absence of vaccines, infection control is currently limited to the prolonged use of antimicrobials. Prior to this study there was only one complete genome assembly ofM. felis, which was isolated from a horse. The outcomes from this study marks the first high quality hybrid assembled genomes assembled from cats. This work adds four new genomes from clinical cases, as well as the identification and validation of the presence of a novel phage that utilises the mycoplasma translation table. The genome data presented here can assist future projects investigating improved diagnostics and development of new treatment options.RepositoriesAll sequence data and assemblies for data associated with this project can be found under the GenBank Bioproject: PRJNA906261