Development of rapid and simple experimental and in silico serotyping systems for Citrobacter.

Aim: Members of the genus Citrobacter are important opportunistic pathogens responsible for high mortality rate. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to develop efficient and accurate Citrobacter typing schemes for clinical detection and epidemiological surveillance. Materials & methods: Using genomic and experimental analyses, we located the O-antigen biosynthesis gene clusters in Citrobacter genome for the first time, and used comparative genomic analyses to reveal the specific genes in different Citrobacter serotypes. Results: Based on the specific genes in O-antigen biosynthesis gene clusters of Citrobacter, we established experimental and in silico serotyping systems for this bacterium. Conclusion: Both serotyping tools are reliable, and our observations are biologically and clinically relevant for understanding and managing Citrobacter infection.