Whole Genome Sequence of Treponema pallidum ssp. pallidum, Strain Mexico A, Suggests Recombination between Yaws and Syphilis Strains
| Authors | |
|---|---|
| Year of publication | 2012 |
| Type | Article in Periodical |
| Magazine / Source | PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases |
| MU Faculty or unit | |
| Citation | |
| Web | http://www.plosntds.org/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pntd.0001832 |
| Doi | http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pntd.0001832 |
| Field | Genetics and molecular biology |
| Keywords | Treponema pallidum; Mexico A strain; genome; syphilis; inter-strain recombination |
| Description | Treponema pallidum is a Gram-negative spirochete that causes diseases with distinct clinical manifestations and uses different transmission strategies. While syphilis (caused by subspecies pallidum) is a worldwide venereal and congenital disease, yaws (caused by subspecies pertenue) is a tropical disease transmitted by direct skin contact. Currently the genetic basis and evolution of these diseases remain unknown. In this study, we describe a high quality whole genome sequence of T. pallidum ssp. pallidum strain Mexico A, determined using the ?next generation? sequencing technique (Illumina). Although the genome of this strain contains no large rearrangements in comparison with other treponemal genomes, we found two genes which combined sequences from both subspecies pallidum and pertenue. The observed mosaic character of these two genes is likely a result of inter-strain recombination between pallidum and pertenue during simultaneous infection of a single host. |
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