ARS | Publication request: Genome sequence of Edwardsiella ictaluri 93-146 a strain associated with a natural channel catfish outbreak of enteric septicemia of catifsh

Submitted to: Journal of Bacteriology
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: November 21, 2011
Publication Date: February 1, 2012
Citation: Williams, M., Gillaspy, A., Dyer, D., Thune, R., Waldbieser, G.C., Schuster, S., Gipson, J., Zaitshik, J., Landry, C., Banes, M., Lawrence, M. 2012. Genome sequence of Edwardsiella ictaluri 93-146 a strain associated with a natural channel catfish outbreak of enteric septicemia of catifsh. Journal of Bacteriology. 194(3):740-741.

Interpretive Summary: Edwardsiella ictaluri , an enteric bacteria, is a major pathogen that leads to significant levels of catfish mortality in commercial ponds. The complete sequence of the E. ictaluri genome was produced in order to support research in pathogenesis, immune response, diagnostics, and therapeutics. Scientists at the USDA, ARS, Catfish Genetics Research Unit produced targeted DNA sequence to supplement Sanger sequencing and next generation pyrosequencing produced and assembled by Mississippi State University collaborators. The resulting genome assembly contained 3,812,315 bp encoding 3,783 predicted proteins, of which 233 were unique to E. ictaluri. The reference genome sequence provides a tool for discovery of antigenic determinants and development of diagnostics and therapeutants to help reduce losses to this pathogen in the catfish industry.

Technical Abstract: Edwardsiella ictaluri is the cause of extensive mortalities and economic losses to the channel catfish industry of the southeast United States. Here we report the complete genome of Edwardsiella ictaluri 93-146. Whole-genome sequence analysis of E. ictaluri provides a tool for understanding the genomic regions specific to the species and the Edwardsiella genus.