Impact of flaH Gene Mutations on Aeromonas caviae Swarming Motility: An Experimental study

Abstract

Background: Aeromonas caviae is an opportunistic pathogen that utilizes both polar and lateral flagella for motility. The flaH gene is believed to be essential for flagellar assembly and motility, particularly swarming. Methods: A flaH mutant strain (A. caviae AAR59) was generated via insertion of a kanamycin resistance cassette. Motility assays and genetic complementation were performed. Recombinant flaH was cloned, expressed, and purified for characterization. Results: Mutation of flaH abolished motility and flagellin expression. Complementation partially restored motility. Overexpressed flaH protein was soluble, suggesting its role in flagellar structure and function. Conclusion: flaH is critical for A. caviae motility and flagellar biogenesis. These findings enhance our understanding of bacterial motility and suggest flaH as a potential therapeutic target.