Genetic traits of IncK2 plasmids and the host underlying the association to the chicken gut
Rozwandowicz, Marta AbuOun, Manal Alba, Patricia Anjum, Muna F Zając, Magdalena Brouwer, Michael SM Börjesson, Stefan Caniça, Manuela Carfora, Virginia Diaconu, Elena L
Rozwandowicz, Marta
AbuOun, Manal
Alba, Patricia
Anjum, Muna F
Zając, Magdalena
Brouwer, Michael SM
Börjesson, Stefan
Caniça, Manuela
Carfora, Virginia
Diaconu, Elena L
Series / Report no.
Open Access
Type
Journal Article
Article
Article
Language
en
Date of publication
2026-03
Year of publication
Research Projects
Organizational Units
Journal Issue
Title
Genetic traits of IncK2 plasmids and the host underlying the association to the chicken gut
Translated Title
Published in
Microb Genom 2026; 12(3):001535
Abstract
This manuscript presents the phylogeny and conservation of IncK2 plasmids in Europe. It also provides insights into genetic traits responsible for IncK2 plasmids and its host adaptation to the chicken gut. Fifty-eight isolates from nine European countries were sequenced using Illumina and Nanopore technology. Genetic analyses were performed to determine the relatedness of IncK2 plasmids and their hosts from poultry (80% of the total) and other sources. To analyse genetic traits associated with and IncK2 plasmid from chicken origin, a genome-wide association study (GWAS) was performed. The phylogenetic analysis of IncK2 plasmids revealed conservation across sources and countries of isolation. GWAS revealed multiple genes associated with IncK2 plasmids or its host from chicken origin. The predicted functions of these genes can indicate a selective advantage in the chicken gut, and that IncK2 plasmids are adapted to the physiological environment of the chicken gut.