Genomic insights into the pathogenicity and environmental adaptability of Enterococcus hirae

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The E. hirae R17 genome sequence provides a starting point to study the evolutionary history and the potential pathobiology of this species, particularly those isolates recovered from food related samples. We found that the isolate originating from retailed pork acquired multiple antibiotic resistance genes and also has genes that may play roles in colonization and the infection of animal food consumers. The genomic flexibility of E. hirae R17, with its IS elements, transposase, and TRs, allows rapid adaptation to new environmental niches such as those that are found in food sterilization and storage sites. Genome-wide studies, which will be facilitated by the sequence data presented here, are therefore needed to increase our understanding of the basic biology of E. hirae and to identify genes that may present risks for public health.

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