Pangenome Analysis Reveals a High Degree of Genetic Diversity in <i>Gardnerella vaginalis</i>: An In Silico Approach
Andrei Giacchetto Felice,
Eduarda Guimarães Sousa,
Fabiana Vieira Dominici,
Vasco Ariston de Carvalho Azevedo,
Siomar de Castro Soares
Affiliations
Andrei Giacchetto Felice
Laboratory of Bioinformatics, Institute of Biological and Natural Sciences, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro, Educational Center Campus, Uberaba 38025-180, MG, Brazil
Eduarda Guimarães Sousa
Cellular and Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Institute of Biological Sciences, Department of General Biology, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Pampulha Campus, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, MG, Brazil
Fabiana Vieira Dominici
Laboratory of Bioinformatics, Institute of Biological and Natural Sciences, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro, Educational Center Campus, Uberaba 38025-180, MG, Brazil
Vasco Ariston de Carvalho Azevedo
Cellular and Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Institute of Biological Sciences, Department of General Biology, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Pampulha Campus, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, MG, Brazil
Siomar de Castro Soares
Laboratory of Bioinformatics, Institute of Biological and Natural Sciences, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro, Educational Center Campus, Uberaba 38025-180, MG, Brazil
The genus Gardnerella comprises Gram-variable, anaerobic, hemolytic, and non-motile bacilli, with four known species, where Gardnerella vaginalis is the main species responsible for bacterial vaginosis (BV). However, quantifying this species is challenging due to a lack of data and underreporting. Despite its significance, particularly for women, and the availability of several genomes in online databases, genomic analyses and studies on effective treatments still lack details. This study aimed to conduct bioinformatic analyses focused on pangenomics to investigate the complete gene repertoire of the species. Genomes of the bacterium available in online databases were used for comparative genomics, genomic plasticity, gene synteny, and pangenome prediction analyses. The results revealed considerable genome variability, indicating a highly diverse pangenome. The low number of genes in the core genome and similarity analysis confirmed this variability. Three pathogenicity islands, two resistance islands, and nine genomic islands were identified, suggesting horizontal gene transfer events during evolution. These findings underscore the need for sequencing new G. vaginalis genomes to better comprehend its variability and adaptation patterns.
