Sequence-derived replication rates of Gram-negative bacterial species during bloodstream infection

Bacterial bloodstream infections are a global public health problem. The goal of this work was to characterize the replication dynamics of Gram-negative bacterial species in the bloodstream environment. We selected a cohort of six species from three families that represent common causative agents of bloodstream infections and characterized their infection dynamics in a murine bacteremia model. Whole genome sequence information was used to establish standardized peak-to-trough (ori:ter) ratios for each bacterial species throughout all phases of growth. These standards were then used to determine bacterial growth rates in situ.