Comparative Genomic Study of Lactobacillus jensenii and the Newly Defined Lactobacillus mulieris Species Identifies Species-Specific Functionality

Abstract

Lactobacillus species play a key role in the health of the urinary tract. For instance, Lactobacillus crispatus and L. jensenii have been found to inhibit uropathogenic Escherichia coli growth. While L. crispatus is typically found only within the microbiota of women without lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), L. jensenii has been found in the microbiota of women both with and without LUTS. With the recent introduction of the new species Lactobacillus mulieris , several strains of L. jensenii were reclassified as L. mulieris based upon gene marker and average nucleotide identity. We took a phylogenomic and comparative genomic approach to ascertain the genetic determinants of these two species. Looking at a larger data set, we identified additional L. mulieris strains, including one distinct from other members of the species— L. mulieris UMB7784. Furthermore, we identified unique loci in each species that may have clinical implications.