S. marcescens strain sicaria (Ss1) genome sequencing and assembly. Serratia marcescens strain:sicaria (Ss1)

Serratia marcescens strain sicaria (Ss1) was recovered from hemolymph of septic worker honey bees (Apis mellifera) in western Wisconsin. Hemocyte populations in the infected bees were found to be significantly reduced, suggesting this infection is associated with impaired cell-mediated defense mechanisms in bees. Whole-genome analysis indicates Ss1 has not previously been characterized, and contains several genes not typically found in other members of the Serratia genus. Our results suggest Ss1 may represent a new pathogen of honey bees.