Analysis of genomes of bacterial isolates from lameness outbreaks in broilers

We investigated lameness outbreaks at 3 commercial broiler farms in Arkansas. isolated several distinct bacterial species from Bacterial Chondronecrosis with Osteomyelitis (BCO) lesions these farms. The results show that BCO-lameness pathogens on particular can differ significantly. characterized genomes for isolates of the 2 most prevalent species, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Genomes assembled E. all were quite different between farms, similar to geographical locations hosts. phylogenomics suggests frequent host shifts this species. S. aureus one farm highly related those chicken Europe. Highly have also been chickens Arkansas area least a decade. Phylogenomics suggest has restricted poultry more than 40 y. Detailed analysis neighboring clades human isolates, identifies acquisition specific pathogenicity island transition pathogen pathogenesis clade may depend mobile element. Investigation evolution chicken-restricted 1980 Ireland, Poland 2008, Oklahoma 2010 2019, reveals additional virulence determinants including islands. Isolate-specific genome characterizations will help further our understanding disease mechanisms BCO-lameness, significant animal welfare issue.