Aim
Members of the genus Citrobacter are important opportunistic pathogens responsible for high mortality rate. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to develop efficient and accurate Citrobacter typing schemes for clinical detection and epidemiological surveillance. Materials &
Conclusion
Both serotyping tools are reliable, and our observations are biologically and clinically relevant for understanding and managing Citrobacter infection.
Methods
Using genomic and experimental analyses, we located the O-antigen biosynthesis gene clusters in Citrobacter genome for the first time, and used comparative genomic analyses to reveal the specific genes in different Citrobacter serotypes.
Results
Based on the specific genes in O-antigen biosynthesis gene clusters of Citrobacter, we established experimental and in silico serotyping systems for this bacterium.