Phylogeny of Salmonella enterica subspecies arizonae by whole-genome sequencing reveals high incidence of polyphyly and low phase 1 H antigen variability

Salmonella enterica subspecies arizonae is frequently associated with animal reservoirs, particularly reptiles, and can cause illness in some mammals, including humans. Using wholegenome sequencing data, core genome phylogenetic analyses were performed using 112 S. enterica subsp. arizonae isolates, representing 46 of 102 described serovars. Nearly one third of these are polyphyletic, including two serovars that appear in four and five distinct evolutionary lineages. Subspecies arizonae has a monophasic H antigen. Among the 46 serovars investigated, only 8 phase 1 H antigens were identified, demonstrating high conservation for this antigen. Prophages and plasmids were found throughout this subspecies, including five novel prophages. Polyphyly was also reflected in prophage content, although some cladespecific enrichment for some phages was observed. IncFII(S) was the most frequent plasmid replicon identified and was found in a quarter of S. enterica subsp. arizonae genomes. Salmonella pathogenicity islands (SPIs) 1 and 2 are present across all Salmonella, including this subspecies, although effectors sipA, sptP and arvA in SPI-1 and sseG and ssaI in SPI-2 appear to be lost in this lineage. SPI-20, encoding a type VI secretion system, is exclusive to this subspecies and is well maintained in all genomes sampled. A number of fimbral operons were identified, including the sas operon that appears to be a synapomorphy for this subspecies, while others exhibited more cladespecific patterns. This work reveals evolutionary patterns in S. enterica subsp. arizonae that make this subspecies a unique lineage within this very diverse species.

Automated summary

Salmonella enterica subspecies arizonae displays unique evolutionary patterns revealed through whole-genome sequencing data and core genome phylogenetic analysis, including polyphyly, high conservation of antigens, presence of prophages and plasmids, and specific pathogenic islands. These characteristics make subspecies arizonae a distinct lineage within the highly diverse species of Salmonella.