Relatedness of type IV pilin PilA amongst geographically diverse Moraxella bovoculi isolated from cattle with infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis

Introduction. Moraxella bovoculi is frequently isolated from the eyes of cattle with infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis (IBK; pinkeye). As M. bovis, which has been causally linked to IBK, expresses an RTX (repeats in structural toxin) cytotoxin that related bovis cytotoxin. Pilin, another pathogenic factor , required for corneal attachment. Seven antigenically distinct pilin serogroups have described . Hypothesis/Gap Statement. Multiple different exist amongst type IV encoded by however, it not known whether exhibits a similar degree diversity encodes. Aim. This study was done characterize (PilA) cases IBK determine if exists PilA sequences. Methodology. Ninety-four isolates collected between 2002 and 2017 23 counties throughout California five four other Western states were evaluated. Results. DNA sequencing determination deduced amino acid sequences revealed ten (designated groups A through J) unique ~96.1–99.3 % identical. Pilin C matched previously reported putative IBK-affected USA (Virginia, Nebraska, Kansas) Asia (Kazakhstan). The identified only ~74–76 identical proteins whole-genome derived deep nasopharyngeal swabs IBK-asymptomatic cattle. Conclusions. Compared geographically diverse are more conserved.