Assessing <i>Serratia</i> spp. pathogenic potential from cryogenic habitats

The genus Serratia are opportunistic bacteria widely spread in natural environment. At the same time, this bacterial consists of species associated with outbreaks nosocomial infections. found extreme habitats, but pathogenic potential polyextremophilic strains remains unexplored. aim study was to compare genomes two isolated polar regions, primarily examining genetic factors virulence and adaptation cryogenic During 56th Russian Antarctic Expedition liquefaciens 72 strain from a guano sample Adelie Penguin ( Pygoscelis adeliae ) colony on Tokarev Island (Haswell Archipelago, East Antarctica). fonticola 5l frozen carcass moose (Alces alces) fossils Buor-Khaya Peninsula near Laptev Sea coast (Yakutia Region, Russia). whole-genome sequencing such allowed reveal structures evidencing about their successful low temperatures. Thus, it that both contain genes encoding main cold shock proteins, phylogenetically close corresponding hypobarotolerant ATCC 27592. Furthermore, bear cluster tc-fABCD determining adhesion epithelial tissues, for RTX toxins — adhesins, crucial biofilm formation Gram-negative bacteria. Experimental studies confirmed ability actively form biofilms wide temperature range (from 6°C 37°C). results obtained indicate examined Arctica Antarctica exert overall similar strategies climate, including produce pili, show active adhesion, under Genetic adaptive may also act as pathogenicity allowing extremotolerant traits pathogens via chilled food-borne transmission. use food technologies, cooling vacuum sealing, can potentially create new ecological niche favourable selection psychrotolerant pathogens. data allow raise question necessity further monitor diversity among psychrophilic microbial populations possessing epidemic potential.