Whole Genome Sequencing Highlights the Pathogenic Profile in Nocardia Keratitis

• DOI: 10.1167/iovs.65.3.26
• Publication Date: 2024-03-19T15:31:06Z
• Authors: Xiaoyan Guo; Zijun Zhang; Qiankun Chen; Leying Wang; Xizhan Xu; Zhenyu Wei; Yang Zhang; Kexin Chen; Zhiqun Wang; Xinxin Lu; Qingfeng Liang
• Keywords: Nocardia Infections

Purpose: Nocardia keratitis is a serious and sight-threatening condition. This study aims to reveal the virulence antimicrobial resistance gene profile of strains using whole genome sequencing. Methods: Whole-genome sequencing was performed on 23 cornea-derived strains. Together with genomic data from respiratory tract environment, 141 genomes were then utilized for phylogenetic pan-genome analyses, followed by antibiotic analysis. The correlations between genes pathogenicity experimentally validated, including characteristics colonies clinical histopathological evaluations mice models. Results: revealed mean 220 contributed bacterial pathogenesis. mce family analysis led categorization cornea into groups A, B, C. group C had largest diameter, height, fastest growth rate. size corneal ulcers scores showed significant increase in mouse models induced relative expression levels pro-inflammatory cytokines (CD4, IFN-γ, IL-6Rα, TNF-α) lesion area exhibited an increasing trend A Antibiotic (ARGs) spanned nine distinct drug classes, four mechanisms, seven primary families. Conclusions: Whole highlights pathogenic role keratitis. Its distribution pattern may contribute severity