Table 1 Procedure for manual curation of virulence factors

1.

Examine the source or database of each protein annotation for possible classifications, using the annotation set across

all databases as a starting point. Record annotations according to information from the source or database; each protein

may have more than one annotation. If a protein is directly involved in a virulence process or is a regulator of that process,

record it as such. In this way, proteins may have more than one annotation.

2.

Examine any publications which are linked from the source. Record annotations according to information from the

publication regarding the protein.

3.

If an annotation was unclear or unknown, conduct a keyword publication search of the virulence factor to obtain resolution.

4.

Repeat steps (1-3) across all proteins (i.e. re-annotate) until no further changes were made from the previous annotation.