Draft Genome Sequences of Mycoplasma alkalescens, Mycoplasma arginini, and Mycoplasma bovigenitalium, Three Species with Equivocal Pathogenic Status for Cattle

Genomic Islands in Mycoplasmas

Bacteria of the Mycoplasma genus are characterized by the lack of a cell-wall, the use of UGA as tryptophan codon instead of a universal stop, and their simplified metabolic pathways. Most of these features are due to the small-size and limited-content of their genomes (580–1840 Kbp; 482–2050 CDS). Yet, the Mycoplasma genus encompasses over 200 species living in close contact with a wide range of animal hosts and man. These include pathogens, pathobionts, or commensals that have retained the full capacity to synthesize DNA, RNA, and all proteins required to sustain a parasitic life-style, with most being able to grow under laboratory conditions without host cells. Over the last 10 years, comparative genome analyses of multiple species and strains unveiled some of the dynamics of mycoplasma genomes. This review summarizes our current knowledge of genomic islands (GIs) found in mycoplasmas, with a focus on pathogenicity islands, integrative and conjugative elements (ICEs), and prophages. Here, we discuss how GIs contribute to the dynamics of mycoplasma genomes and how they participate in the evolution of these minimal organisms.

Complete Genome Sequence of Mycoplasma bovigenitalium Strain HAZ 596 from a Bovine Vagina in Japan

Mycoplasma bovigenitalium, a mycoplasmal species involved in various bovine diseases, including genital disease and mastitis, is also a commensal microorganism that inhabits the bovine genital organs. We present here the complete 853,553-bp genome sequence of M. bovigenitalium strain HAZ 596, which was isolated from a bovine vagina in Japan.

Genetic diversity of Mycoplasma arginini isolates based on multilocus sequence typing

The contribution of Mycoplasma arginini to mycoplasmosis in small ruminants remains unclear because it is recovered from both healthy and diseased animals. In order to gain a better understanding of any relationships between isolates from different sites and different geographical locations, we developed a method for genotyping M. arginini using multilocus sequence typing (MLST). A MLST scheme based on five housekeeping genes was used to characterize M. arginini isolates from flocks of sheep and goats. A high level of genetic variability was detected between strains and within herds.

Complete Genome Sequence of Mycoplasma arginini Strain HAZ 145_1 from Bovine Mastitic Milk in Japan

Mycoplasma arginini is a species sometimes isolated from bovine specimens, mastitic milk, etc. Its pathogenicity against cows, however, is unspecific, unlike other bovine mycoplasmas. Its whole-genome sequence is needed to comprehend its real image. We present here the 678,592-bp complete genome sequence of M. arginini strain HAZ 145_1.