Comparative genomics of Neisseria weaveri clarifies the taxonomy of this species and identifies genetic determinants that may be associated with virulence

Abstract

A group of bacterial strains formerly known as CDC group M-5 are opportunistic pathogens to humans. In 1993, a name, Neisseria weaveri, was proposed by two independent studies to harbor CDC group M-5 strains, namely N. weaveri Holmes et al. 1993 and N. weaveri Andersen et al. 1993, with two different type strains. However, no study has been conducted on to the relatedness of the two type strains, although the close relationship of the two taxa has long been accepted unofficially. Formally, the status of the name N. weaveri Andersen et al. 1993 is illegitimate because it is a later homonym of N. weaveri Holmes et al., 1993; but the name of the strain is still validly published. In this study, we attempt to resolve the confusion caused by the apparent duplication of the species N. weaveri (with different type strains) using whole genome shotgun sequencing. We also sought to gain insight into the genetic characteristics of N. weaveri by conducting comparative genomics. On the basis of genomic similarities revealed through a comparative genomic study, we propose that N weaveri Andersen et al. 1993 should be re-classified as a later heterotypic synonym of N. weaveri Holmes et al., 1993.