The Arms Race Between Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae and Its Genetic Environment: A Comprehensive Analysis of Its Defensome and Mobile Genetic Elements

Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae is the causative agent of pleuropneumonia in swine, a highly contagious and economically significant disease. The genetic variability of A. pleuropneumoniae complicates disease control efforts, as it enables rapid adaptation to various stressors, including antimicrobial treatments. To better understand the molecular mechanisms underlying this adaptability, we investigated the role of the bacterial defensome and its relationship with mobile genetic elements (MGEs), such as prophages, plasmids, and integrative conjugative elements (ICEs). Using bioinformatic tools, we identified a diverse and rich defensome in A. pleuropneumoniae, with an average of 16 different defense systems per strain. We found that CRISPR-Cas systems, along with other defense mechanisms, are actively involved in restricting the entry of foreign genetic material, playing a crucial role in bacterial adaptation. Additionally, we characterized several novel prophages and examined their distribution across different strains, revealing their potential contribution to the bacterium's evolutionary success. Our findings underscore the complex interplay between the bacterium's defense systems and MGEs, shedding light on how A. pleuropneumoniae maintains genetic diversity while also safeguarding itself against external threats. These insights provide a better understanding of the genetic factors that influence the pathogen's adaptability and highlight potential avenues for more effective disease control strategies.