Genomic and Phenotypic Characterization of Clostridium botulinum Isolates from an Infant Botulism Case Suggests Adaptation Signatures to the Gut
François P. Douillard, Yağmur Derman, Cédric Woudstra, Katja Selby, Tommi Mäklin, Martin B. Dorner, Harri Saxén, Brigitte G. Dorner, Hannu Korkeala, Miia Lindström
Abstract
While the clinical aspects of infant botulism and the mode of action of BoNT have been thoroughly investigated, little is known on the pathogenesis and adaptive mechanisms of C. botulinum in the gut. Here, we provide for the first time a comprehensive view on the genomic dynamics and plasticity of C. botulinum over time in a case of infant botulism. The genomic and phenotypic analysis of C. botulinum isolates collected during the disease course offers an unprecedented view of C. botulinum ecology, evolution, and pathogenesis and may be instrumental in developing novel strategies for prevention and treatment of toxicoinfectious botulism.