Pathogenicity and Comparative Genomics Analysis: Pasteurella multocida Serogroups A and F Isolated from Domestic Rabbits in China.

Authors

Qiaoya Zhao, Cunxia Liu, Xiuli Ma, Feng Hu, Junfeng Lv, Tong Zhu, Yajian Gao, Changhao Liu, Bing Huang, Yifei Jiang

Published in

Veterinary sciences. Volume 13. Issue 10. Oct 08, 2026. Epub Oct 08, 2026.

Abstract

Pasteurella multocida is a zoonotic pathogen that causes severe respiratory infections in domestic rabbits. Serogroup F strains have been increasingly reported but remain poorly characterized. Two strains, PS-JQ08 (serogroup A) and PS-JQ09 (serogroup F), were isolated from deceased rabbits in China. Pathogenicity was assessed in mouse and rabbit models, and whole-genome sequencing was performed for comparative genomic analysis. Both strains were highly pathogenic but induced distinct pathological profiles: PS-JQ08 caused hepatocellular vacuolar degeneration, whereas PS-JQ09 induced hemorrhage and edema. Genomic analysis revealed that both strains harbored core virulence genes involved in adhesion, iron acquisition, and antiphagocytosis; however, the serogroup F strain harbored unique iron transport genes and arsenic resistance systems. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that PS-JQ08 clustered with avian serogroup A strains, whereas PS-JQ09 clustered with porcine- and rabbit-derived serogroup F strains. These findings provide clues for exploring the genetic mechanism underlying pathogenic differentiation of Pasteurella multocida between serogroups A and F, and provide valuable genomic information to support vaccine development and disease control in rabbits.

PMID:
42944153
Bibliographic data and abstract were imported from PubMed on 27 Oct 2026.

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