Mutation analysis of parental and 10 avirulent C. rodentium isolates from the feces of C3H/HeJ mice

We report that dietary iron protects mice from infection by Citrobacter rodentium. Iron induces a state of insulin resistance and increases glucose availability in the gut, thereby attenutating C. rodentium virulence. Additionally the pathogen appears to be driven towards a long-term commensal state. Here, we identify mutations in persistent and avirulent Citrobacter rodentium isolates from mice given an iron supplemented diet. 10 isolates of avirulent C. rodentium from the feces of C3H/HeJ mice and the parental strain were sequenced, then compared to identify mutations in the isolates.