Citation:

Linz, D., K. McIntosh, I. Struewing, S. Klemm, B. McMinn, R. Haugland, E. Villegas, AND J. Lu. Genomic Characterization and Wetland Occurrence of a Novel Campylobacter Isolate from Canada Geese. Microorganisms. MDPI, Basel, Switzerland, 11(3):648, (2023). https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms11030648

Impact/Purpose:

Canadian geese are known to transmit viral and bacterial diseases, posing a possible threat to human health. The most prevalent pathogen vectored by geese are Campylobacter species, yet the current understanding of the identity and virulence of these pathogens is limited. We isolated a unique Campylobacter strain, called MG1, from Canada geese fecal samples. We performed genome sequencing and assembled an annotated draft genome. We used phylogenomics to understand the relationship of the MG1 isolate to other Campylobacter species and parsed the genome for loci associated with virulence and disease. Finally, we designed a unique qPCR assay for tracking goose fecal contamination in water samples and across wetland environments frequented by geese. Our findings help to understand host-specific strains of Campylobacter spp. and aid in current microbiological water source tracking. These data contribute to an overall effort to safeguard public water ecosystems and will assist in preventing future human and animal exposure. OW, regional offices, scientists and water quality managers could be interested in the results.

Description:

Populations of resident, non-migratory Canada geese are rapidly increasing. Canadian geese are known to transmit viral and bacterial diseases, posing a possible threat to human health. The most prevalent pathogens vectored by geese are Campylobacter species, yet the current understanding of the identity and virulence of these pathogens is limited. In our previous study, we observed a high prevalence of Campylobacter spp. in the Banklick Creek wetland – a constructed treatment wetland (CTW) used to understand sources of fecal contamination originating from humans and waterfowl frequenting the area. To better identify the types of Campylobacter isolates found contaminating the CTW we performed clone sequencing of Campylobacter isolates from CTW water samples and collected fecal material from birds frequenting those areas. Our results showed a high occurrence of a Campylobacter canadensis-like clade from the sampling sites. Whole genome sequence analyses of an isolate from Canada goose fecal material, called MG1, was used to confirm the identity of the CTW isolates. Further, we examined the phylogenomic position, virulence gene content, and antimicrobial resistance gene profile of MG1. Lastly, we developed an MG1-specific qPCR assay and confirmed the presence of MG1 in Canada goose fecal samples surrounding the CTW. Our findings reveal that MG1 is a unique, Canada goose-vectored Campylobacter isolate that is widely occurring and may possess zoonotic potential that is of human health concern.

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