First WGS Characterization of Streptococcus suis Isolated From a Case of Human Meningitis in Southern Italy

Abstract

This study is the first report in Italy on the molecular characterization by whole-genome sequencing (WGS) analysis of a Streptococcus suis strain isolated from a human case of meningitis in Italy. The characterized S. suis strain was classified as a serotype 2 (SS2), multilocus sequence typing (MLST) sequence type ST1. The strain exhibited the presence of several virulence genes and resistance to penicillin, tetracycline and macrolide–lincosamide–streptogramin. Finally, we found a frameshift mutation in the gene mrp determining the translation of two truncated forms of the corresponding muramidase-release protein. These results highlight the importance of complete genomic data to understand the pathogenesis and epidemiology of this bacterium, capable to pose serious risks to human health.