Complete Genome Sequence and Evaluation of Expression Level for Genes Associated with Virulence for a Clinical Brucella Melitensis Strain C-573 Isolated in Russia

Abstract

Brucellosis is one of the most pressing global zoonotic diseases, which is endemic in many regions of the world. It is believed that Brucella melitensis is the most pathogenic species of Brucella genus for humans. However, the processes underlying the pathogenicity of this pathogen remain not fully understood. In our study, we report on the first complete genome of the clinical B. melitensis strain isolated in Russia, perform structural and functional analysis of the genomic sequence, and evaluate the expression level of genes associated with virulence based on Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) data. The obtained information on the genetic similarities and differences between B. melitensis strains can be used to study the mechanisms responsible for the pathogenicity of Brucella spp., as well as in the process of developing new therapeutic and preventive strategies for controlling brucellosis.