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In 2018, a T. asinigenitalis strain (MCE663) was isolated in a Persian onager tested for contagious equine metritis (CEM) in a United Kingdom (UK) zoo. This bacterium had never been reported in the UK and Multilocus Sequence Typing described a new atypically divergent ST (ST60). Although the causative agent of CEM is the bacterium Taylorella equigenitalis , a first natural outbreak of endometritis caused by T. asinigenitalis ST70 was reported in 2019, putting its pathogenic potential into question. In this context, we aimed to further sequence the T. asinigenitalis MCE663 genome and characterize the strain using phenotypical and genetic approaches. Results showed that it gathered all identification characteristics of T. asinigenitalis with smaller colonies and it was susceptible to all tested antibiotics. Genome-level phylogeny showed that the genome MCE663 formed a distinct phylogroup, and only shared ≈ 96.1% of average nucleotide identity (ANI) with the three published T. asinigenitalis genomes, which together shared ≈ 98.3% ANI. According to current cut-offs consensus for species and subspecies delineation (95% and 98%, respectively), our results support the first insights of a sublineage delineation within the T. asinigenitalis species. • Genome of a T. asinigenitalis isolated from a Persian onager in 2018 was sequenced. • This genome (MCE663) showed atypical genetic distance from those already published. • MCE663 genome analysis suggests sublineages within the T. asinigenitalis species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Genome sequencing (GS) will have a profound impact on the diagnosis of rare and inherited diseases in children and young people. We conducted 27 semi-structured interviews with young people aged 11–19 having GS through the UK 100, 000 Genomes Project. Participants demonstrated an understanding of the role and function of genes and DNA, however the terms 'genome' and 'genome sequencing' were less well understood. Participants were primarily motivated to take part to get a diagnosis or identify the gene causing their condition. The majority of participants understood they might not receive a diagnostic result. Most were unconcerned about data security or access, however anxieties existed around what the results might show and the potential for disappointment if the result was negative. Signing an assent form empowered young people, formalised the process and instilled a sense of responsibility for their choice to participate. Most young people (≥16 years) had consented to receive secondary findings and had come to that decision without parental influence. Our research suggests that at least some young people are capable of making informed decisions about taking part in GS, and that involving them in discussions about testing can empower them to take responsibility over healthcare decisions that affect them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]