Pangenomic analysis of C. burnetii unveils new traits in genome architecture

We performed a pangenomic analysis of C. burnetii using the genomes from 75 C. burnetii strains including 63 novel genomes, in order to evaluate the genetic diversity, evolution, antibiotic resistance, and disease-specific characteristics of this pathogen. The comparative genomics enabled us to understand more the genomic dynamics of C. burnetii, its evolution, host adaptation, epidemiology and clinical profiles. In this study we showed that C. burnetii has a high genome plasticity, gene transfer, and that genomic features, including genotypes are correlated to the clinical outcome and geographic distribution. This large genomic analysis will bring new insights into the world of this intracellular bacterium and its relatives. To our knowledge, the present work is the largest study on the association of C. burnetii strains and clinical presentation. Future analysis with more animal and human infecting strains from different MST genotypes and from multiple geographical locations will be an added value to the Coxiella burnetii evolutional and in depth studies.