Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41419821›Full record

ArticleBMC microbiology2025

Genomic analysis of a clinical Mycolicibacterium houstonense isolate reveals dual escalation in adaptability and virulence.

Ailing Xu, Nifang Pan, Bibo Zhang, Xuan Liu, Yuefeng Sheng, Yimai Deng, Zhenghao Wu, Shuyan Wu

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in BMC 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. Pediatric Submandibular Lymphadenitis Caused byInfection and drug resistance · 2026
    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

8 authors.

Ailing Xu *School of Basic Medical Science, MOE Key Laboratory of Geriatric Diseases and Immunology, Suzhou Key Laboratory of Pathogen Bioscience and Anti-infective Medicine, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, 215123, PR China.
Nifang Pan *Changshu Hospital Affiliated to Soochow University (Changshu NO.1 People's Hospital), Changshu, Jiangsu Province, 215500, PR China.
Bibo ZhangChangshu Hospital Affiliated to Soochow University (Changshu NO.1 People's Hospital), Changshu, Jiangsu Province, 215500, PR China. zbb116@sina.com.
Xuan LiuChangshu Hospital Affiliated to Soochow University (Changshu NO.1 People's Hospital), Changshu, Jiangsu Province, 215500, PR China.
Yuefeng ShengChangshu Hospital Affiliated to Soochow University (Changshu NO.1 People's Hospital), Changshu, Jiangsu Province, 215500, PR China.
Yimai DengDepartment of Clinical Laboratory, Changshu Medicine Examination Institute, Changshu, Jiangsu Province, 215500, PR China.
Zhenghao WuDepartment of Clinical Laboratory, Changshu Medicine Examination Institute, Changshu, Jiangsu Province, 215500, PR China.
Shuyan WuSchool of Basic Medical Science, MOE Key Laboratory of Geriatric Diseases and Immunology, Suzhou Key Laboratory of Pathogen Bioscience and Anti-infective Medicine, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, 215123, PR China. wushuyan@suda.edu.cn.

Funding

Medical Innovation Application Research Project of Soochow Science and Technology Bureau SKY2023086"National Mentoring System" Training Program for Young Talents in the Soochow Healthcare Field Qngg2023036National Natural Science Foundation of China 32270187
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundMycolicibacterium houstonense is prone to being misidentified as other mycobacteria, particularly M. fortuitum. This study characterized the genome of a clinical M. houstonense isolate and delineated its phylogenetic relationship with M. fortuitum to provide a basis for accurate diagnosis and management of infections caused by this species.

methodsGenome sequencing was used to determine the taxonomic status, virulence profile, and resistance traits of the clinical isolate, while comparative genomics was employed to delineate its evolutionary relationship with M. fortuitum.

resultsThe clinical isolate was definitively identified as M. houstonense. Genomic analysis revealed a unique repertoire of virulence and resistance genes. Its genome harbors 590 virulence genes, many of which encode T7SS effectors. In addition to resistance genes commonly found in nontuberculous mycobacteria, it also carries M. tuberculosis-related resistance determinants, enhancing its resilience to disinfectants, antiseptics, and antimicrobials commonly used in clinical settings. Phylogenomic analysis indicates that M. houstonense and M. fortuitum drive reciprocal divergence, reinforcing their environmental adaptability.

conclusionGenomic analysis is poised to serve as a robust tool for the identification of M. houstonense. The clinical isolate in our study suggests a potential dual escalation of M. houstonense in adaptability and virulence, underscoring the need for stricter clinical monitoring and environmental surveillance.

Indexed as

Genome, BacterialAnti-Bacterial AgentsDrug Resistance, BacterialGenomicsHumansPhylogenySequence Analysis, DNAVirulenceVirulence FactorsWhole Genome SequencingAnti-Bacterial AgentsVirulence FactorsAntimicrobial resistanceComparative genome analysisMycolicibacterium fortuitumMycolicibacterium houstonenseVirulence

Identifiers

PMID41419821
PMCPMC12874952

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Registered trials

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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.