Evidence map›Paper›PMID 40304757›Full record

ArticleCurrent microbiology2025

Comparative Analysis of Virulence Genes in Non-Tuberculosis Mycobacteria (NTM) Isolated from Kenyan Camel Milk Suggests Potential Pathogenicity.

Mwangi Linnet Wanjiru, Joseph Wafula Matofari, Bockline Omedo Bebe, Mwaniki John Njeru, John Masani Nduko

Abstract readComparative Study
PubMed Publisher
In one paragraph

Article in Current microbiology, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 1 paper.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
1citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

1 citing paper in PubMed.

  1. Article
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

5 authors.

Mwangi Linnet WanjiruDepartment of Dairy and Food Science and Technology, Egerton University, Njoro, P.O. Box 536-20115, Egerton, Kenya. lynmwng@gmail.com.
Joseph Wafula MatofariDepartment of Dairy and Food Science and Technology, Egerton University, Njoro, P.O. Box 536-20115, Egerton, Kenya.
Bockline Omedo BebeDepartment of Animal Science, Egerton University, Njoro, P.O. Box 536-20115, Egerton, Kenya.
Mwaniki John NjeruCentre of Microbiology Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, P.O. Box 54840 00200, Nairobi, Kenya.
John Masani NdukoDepartment of Dairy and Food Science and Technology, Egerton University, Njoro, P.O. Box 536-20115, Egerton, Kenya.

Funding

Mawazo Institute 22-1-12Mawazo Institute 22-2-02World Bank Group-CESAAM IDA Credit 5798-Ke
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

Mycobacteria are a concern in camel milk due to their potential pathogenicity. This study explored the genetic characteristics of thirteen Mycobacteria isolates from camel milk collected in Isiolo County, Kenya, focusing on the identification and comparison of virulence genes. Using whole-genome sequencing (WGS) and the PATRIC annotation platform, we analyzed subsystems and specialty genes to uncover functional capability and potential pathogenic mechanisms. There were significant variations observed in the number of genes assigned to key subsystems such as metabolism, protein processing, stress response, and energy, suggesting diverse metabolic and survival strategies among the strains. Notably, strains such as Mycobacterium vaccae (JACC_055) and Mycobacterium pulveris (EL_188) exhibited a higher number of genes in the metabolism and stress response subsystems, respectively, indicating enhanced metabolic potential and adaptation to harsh environments. Virulence genes were identified across the isolates with Mycobacterium heidelburgense (EL_135), Mycobacterium colombiense (EL_158), and Mycolicibacterium pulveris (EL_188) showing the highest counts (22, 22, and 16, respectively), suggesting their increased pathogenic potential. The key virulence genes including ideR, relA, mbtH, esxR, phoP, and icl, were frequently present, highlighting their essential role in Mycobacterium virulence. Unique genes in certain isolates such as fbpC and esxN in EL_135 and EL_158 isolates indicate specific adaptations for nutrient acquisition and host interaction. A comparative analysis with Mycobacterium tuberculosis and M. avium revealed shared virulence genes (fbpA, fbpB, icl, ideR, relA, esxH, phoP) and unique ecc genes, highlighting similarities in pathogenic mechanisms and potential for host immune manipulation. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated the genetic closeness of M. colombiense and M. heidelbergense to M. tuberculosis and M. avium, implying similar virulence capabilities. These findings enhance our understanding of the genetic diversity and pathogenic potential of Mycobacterium species in camel milk, emphasizing the importance of strain-specific analysis for disease management, therapeutic development, and public health awareness.

Indexed as

MilkNontuberculous MycobacteriaVirulence FactorsAnimalsBacterial ProteinsCamelusGenome, BacterialKenyaPhylogenyVirulenceWhole Genome SequencingBacterial ProteinsVirulence Factors

Identifiers

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.