Although several Edwardsiella tarda infections have been reported, its
pathogenic role in marine mammals has not been investigated at the genome level. We
investigated the genome of E. tarda strain KC-Pc-HB1, isolated from the
false killer whale (Pseudorca crassidens) found bycaught in South Korea.
The obtained genome was similar to that of human pathogenic E. tarda
strains, but distinct from other Edwardsiella species. Although type III
and VI secretion systems, which are essential for the virulence of other
Edwardsiella species, were absent, several virulence-related genes
involved in the pathogenesis of E. tarda were found in the genome. These
results provide important insights into the E. tarda infecting marine
mammals and give valuable information on potential virulence factors in this pathogen.
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