Phenotypic and genomic characterization of Castellaniella ginsengisoli , an emerging pathogen associated with disease in birds

Abstract

The perception of Castellaniella ginsengisoli as an environmental bacterium has led to a lack of specific diagnostic tools, hindering the characterization of clinically associated isolates. With the increasing number of cases of Castellaniella in birds, there is a need to define characteristics to assist identification, therapeutic guidance, and understanding its potential pathogenicity mechanism. This study provided a comprehensive characterization of 22 C. ginsengisoli clinical isolates from chickens, which included colony morphology features, the in vitro activity of antimicrobials, and the resistant genetic markers identified through genomic characterization. We further provided a list of putative virulence genes and suggested how these genes may participate in the process of pathogenicity. This novel, comprehensive study laid the foundation for future research into C. ginsengisoli, which is likely an emerging pathogen in chickens as well as other animals.