The aroA and luxS Double-Gene Mutant Strain Has Potential to Be a Live Attenuated Vaccine against Salmonella Typhimurium

Salmonella Typhimurium (S. Typhimurium) is a zoonotic pathogen posing a threat to animal husbandry and public health. Due to the emergence of antibiotic -resistant strains, alternative prevention and control strategies are needed. Live attenuated vaccines are an ideal option that provide protection against an S. Typhimurium pandemic. To develop a safe and effective vaccine, double -gene mutations are recommended to attenuate virulence. In this study, we chose aroA and luxS genes, whose deletion significantly attenuates S. Typhimurium's virulence and enhances immunogenicity, to construct the double -gene mutant vaccine strain SAT52 triangle aroA triangle luxS. The results show that the mutant strain's growth rate, adherence and invasion of susceptible cells are comparable to a wildtype strain, but the intracellular survival, virulence and host persistence are significantly attenuated. Immunization assay showed that 10(6) colony -forming units (CFUs) of SAT52 triangle aroA triangle luxS conferred 100% protection against wild -type challenges; the bacteria persistence in liver and spleen were significantly reduced, and no obvious pathological lesions were observed. Therefore, the double -gene mutant strain SAT52 triangle aroA triangle luxS exhibits potential as a live attenuated vaccine candidate against S. Typhimurium infection.