Whole genome sequencing of Fusobacterium necrophorum isolates from cattle across multiple anatomical sites
This study reports whole-genome sequencing of 80 Fusobacterium necrophorum isolates obtained from cattle in the Midwestern United States (Kansas, Nebraska, North Dakota). The isolates comprise 69 F. necrophorum subsp. funduliforme and 11 F. necrophorum subsp. necrophorum strains recovered from seven anatomical sites: bull semen (n=24), liver abscesses (n=21), lungs (n=9), rumen fluid (n=8), calf diphtheria lesions (n=7), healthy liver tissue (n=6), and mediastinal lymph nodes (n=5). Subspecies identification was confirmed using validated qPCR assays targeting leukotoxin operon promoter regions. Genomic DNA was sequenced using 150 bp paired-end chemistry on the Illumina NovaSeq X Plus platform. These genomes support comparative genomic analysis to characterize pangenome structure, subspecies-specific gene content, virulence factor distribution, and antimicrobial resistance patterns across commensal and pathogenic ecological niches. The dataset provides genomic insights into the dual pathogenic and commensal lifestyles of F. necrophorum in cattle production systems.