Summary: | <i>Vibrio mimicus</i> is an emerging pathogen, mainly associated with contaminated seafood consumption. However, little is known about its evolution, biodiversity, and pathogenic potential. This study analyzes the pan-, core, and accessory genomes of nine <i>V. mimicus</i> strains. The core genome yielded 2424 genes in chromosome I (ChI) and 822 genes in chromosome II (ChII), with an accessory genome comprising an average of 10.9% of the whole genome for ChI and 29% for ChII. Core genome phylogenetic trees were obtained, and <i>V. mimicus</i> ATCC-33654 strain was the closest to the outgroup in both chromosomes. Additionally, a phylogenetic study of eight conserved genes (<i>fts</i>Z, <i>gap</i>A, <i>gyr</i>B, <i>topA</i>, <i>rpo</i>A, <i>rec</i>A, <i>mre</i>B, and <i>pyr</i>H), including <i>Vibrio cholerae</i>, <i>Vibrio parilis</i>, <i>Vibrio metoecus</i>, and <i>Vibrio caribbenthicus</i>, clearly showed clade differentiation. The main virulence genes found in ChI corresponded with type I secretion proteins, extracellular components, flagellar proteins, and potential regulators, while, in ChII, the main categories were type-I secretion proteins, chemotaxis proteins, and antibiotic resistance proteins. The accessory genome was characterized by the presence of mobile elements and toxin encoding genes in both chromosomes. Based on the genome atlas, it was possible to characterize differential regions between strains. The pan-genome of <i>V. mimicus</i> encompassed 3539 genes for ChI and 2355 genes for ChII. These results give us an insight into the virulence and gene content of <i>V. mimicus</i>, as well as constitute the first approach to its diversity.
|