Salmonella paratyphi C: Genetic Divergence from Salmonella choleraesuis and Pathogenic Convergence with Salmonella typhi
2009

Genetic Differences Between Salmonella paratyphi C and Other Typhoid Agents

publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Liu Wei-Qiao, Feng Ye, Wang Yan, Zou Qing-Hua, Chen Fang, Guo Ji-Tao, Peng Yi-Hong, Jin Yan, Li Yong-Guo, Hu Song-Nian, Johnston Randal N., Liu Gui-Rong, Liu Shu-Lin

Primary Institution: Genomics Research Center, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China

Hypothesis

Are the typhoid agents like Salmonella paratyphi C and Salmonella typhi products of divergent evolution or convergent evolution?

Conclusion

Salmonella paratyphi C has diverged from a common ancestor with Salmonella choleraesuis, supporting the convergent evolution model of the typhoid agents.

Supporting Evidence

  • Salmonella paratyphi C shares more genes with Salmonella choleraesuis than with Salmonella typhi.
  • The study found distinct sets of pseudogenes between Salmonella paratyphi C and Salmonella choleraesuis.
  • Phylogenetic analysis indicates a recent divergence between Salmonella paratyphi C and Salmonella choleraesuis.

Takeaway

This study shows that Salmonella paratyphi C is not closely related to other typhoid bacteria, meaning they didn't come from the same ancestor but evolved similar traits separately.

Methodology

The genome of Salmonella paratyphi C was sequenced and compared with other Salmonella strains to analyze genetic similarities and differences.

Limitations

The study may not have identified all genes contributing to typhoid pathogenicity due to the genetic similarities among the strains compared.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0004510

Want to read the original?

Access the complete publication on the publisher's website

View Original Publication