Characteristics of Enterococcus hirae isolated from Tibetan gazelles in Qinghai-Tibet Plateau

ObjectiveTo study the characteristics of Enterococcus hirae carried by Tibetan gazelles in Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.

MethodsBacterial isolation, 16S rRNA and rpoA gene sequence analysis and whole genome analysis were conducted. K-B disk method was used for drug sensitivity test. COGs, SwissProt, CARD and VFDB databases were used for genome analysis. Software MUMmer and TreeBeST were used to construct the phylogenetic tree based on single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP).

ResultsTwo strains of E. hirae were isolated from 15 stool samples of Tibetan gazelles. The identification was supported by biochemical analysis, full-length 16S rRNA sequence analysis and whole genome analysis. Genomic analysis showed that the strains carried capsular polysaccharide gene cluster, which was recognized as virulence gene. Phylogenetic analysis based on SNPs indicated that two strains of E. hirae from Tibetan gazelle belonged to two clades, which were closer to animal strains, and the strains were sensitive to many commonly used antibiotics.

ConclusionE. hirae isolated from Tibetan gazelles in Qinghai-Tibet Plateau carried capsular polysaccharide gene cluster, which was favorable for environment adaption. E. hirae strains showed sensitivity to multi-antibiotics. The study results indicated that YL69 has the potential to spread in humans.