ARS | Publication request: Genome Sequence of Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis Sheep Isolate 397 Reveals Striking Differences Among a Genetically Homogeneous Subspecies

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: May 23, 2010
Publication Date: N/A

Technical Abstract: The genome of Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis is remarkably homogeneous among the bovine, human and wildlife isolates. However previous work in our labs using genomic DNA hybridizations with the bovine K-10 DNA microarray has revealed substantial differences in sheep isolates. A draft genome sequence was determined for the U.S. sheep isolate 397 using Roche/454 sequencing and optical mapping technologies. At this writing, there are less than 80 gaps remaining. Collectively, the sheep 397 isolate appears to have acquired approximately 4 large sequence regions that are shared with M. avium subsp hominisuis strain 104 and lost 3 regions that are present in the bovine K-10 strain. This sequence may help explain the phenotypic differences observed with sheep strains of M. avium subspecies paratuberculosis and provide a more complete understanding of the genomic diversity of this economically significant veterinary pathogen.