Comparative genomic analysis of Streptococcus suis sequence type 105 and development of a PCR diagnostic tool

Abstract

Streptococcus suis serotype 14 is the second most prevalent serotype after serotype 2, and is highly prevalent in Southeast Asia. Among the serotype 14 strains, sequence type (ST) 105 is found in humans and pigs. We analysed the genome sequences of S. suis ST105 to identify unique sequences to develop a multiplex PCR (mPCR) -gel electrophoresis and mPCR-lateral flows trip (LFS) for epidemiological purposes. The ST105 genome was closely related to the ST1 genomes. All ST105 of Thai and Vietnamese strains were highly homologous. Of the 1818 genes found in all compared genomes, 36 unique sequences were detected only in the ST105 strain. Of these, two unique sequences encoding hypothetical proteins were selected as PCR targets. Only S. suis ST105 strains were positive for both mPCRs. mPCR-LFS had fewer complications, lower costs, and less time for testing, than those of mPCR-gel electrophoresis. This comparative genomic study demonstrates the usefulness of identifying unique sequences of ST105 S. suis. These unique sequences could be used to develop diagnostic or screening tools, such as PCR, for the detection of specific strains or clones for epidemiological purposes.