Genomic characterization and phylogenetic analysis of a clinical Streptococcus parasuis isolate from a human patient.

BACKGROUND: Streptococcus parasuis is a bacterial species recently reclassified from Streptococcus suis. It has been isolated from pigs and cattle, where it may cause various infections. Human infections caused by S. parasuis are rare, with fewer than five publications reported human clinical case to date, and current knowledge regarding its pathogenic potential, antibiotic resistance, and evolutionary context in humans is limited.

RESULTS: In this study, the S. parasuis strain S62 was isolated from the blood of a febrile patient. Whole-genome sequencing revealed a genome of 1.93 Mb with a G+C content of 39.5%. Phylogenetic and ANI analyses confirmed that S62 belongs to S. parasuis and is closely related to strains 7500, 221006, NN1, and BS26. The genome harbors virulence-associated genes, including hasC, and putative antibiotic resistance determinants such as a vanY-like glycopeptide resistance gene and the patA-patB efflux system. Phenotypic antimicrobial susceptibility testing showed that S62 was sensitive to most tested antibiotics, with intermediate susceptibility observed only for tetracycline and clindamycin. Functional annotation highlighted the strain's metabolic versatility and potential for environmental adaptation.

CONCLUSION: This study provides a detailed genomic characterization of a human clinical S. parasuis isolate, shedding light on its virulence potential, resistance determinants, and evolutionary relationships. These findings provide a baseline for further investigation and monitoring of S. parasuis in human infections.