Since 1994, M. gallisepticum infection has emerged and spread across the continental U.S. in the House Finch (Carpodacus mexicanus), a songbird that represents a novel, wild reservoir host for M. gallisepticum. With funding provided by the National Science Foundation and the USDA Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extention Service, we have initiated a genome sequencing project to examine index and intermediate isolates from this epizootic, with the intent of providing comprehensive and comparative genomic data with which to study evolution of M. gallisepticum as it adapts to a new host and in new environments. In doing so, we hope to identify specific genes undergoing selective pressure and perhaps responsible for changes in pathogenicity. These M. gallisepticum genomic data and the pathogen/host disease modeling data generated by collaborators should be highly complementary in elucidating mechanisms affecting spread and severity disease caused by an emerging pathogen.

The sequencing of multiple bacterial genomes in this project is possible through use of a next-generation sequencing technology, which enables higher throughput but shorter read lengths than standard Sanger sequencing. Sequencing is ongoing, with current status including 454 FLX data for four M. gallisepticum isolates. Current contig data is available upon request*.

Mycoplasma gallisepticum isolates currently under investigation