Genetics and physiology of Salmonella houtenae isolated from a river in Mexico provides insight into the aquatic habitat influence on its adaptation and pathogenesis.

Salmonella enterica subsp. houtenae (IV) is a non-enteric subspecies of the genus Salmonella and has recently been implicated in extraintestinal diseases in humans. In Mexico, its reported that rivers are a reservoir of Salmonella houtenae, however, detailed information about the virulence and infective capacity of this bacterium are limited. Here, we present the high-quality genome draft of Salmonella houtenae str. CFSAN039533 isolated from a river in Culiacan, Mexico. In addition, its virulence, antimicrobial resistance profile and the use of carbon sources for its primary metabolism are analyzed. The genome sequence of CFSAN03953 strain comprises 4.74-Mb which contains 4266 protein coding genes and 77 tRNA genes. The strain belongs to the Marine serotype (48: g, z51: -), and showed several virulence genes related to the SPI-1, SPI-2, SPI-3, SPI-5 and fimbriae genes. The strain exhibited a susceptible phenotype, which contrasted with the resistance genes of aminoglycosides family identified into the genome. Carbon source degradation evaluation along with the genomic analysis, indicated that the strain can use a relatively broad spectrum of compounds related to the central metabolic pathways. This study provides information on the genetics and physiology of Salmonella houtenae that confirms its ability to survive and adapt to the environment. In addition, its pathogenic potential and infective capacity towards warm-blooded hosts are demonstrated.