Author
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Zuerner, Richard |
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Submitted to: International Leptospirosis Society Meeting Abstracts and Proceedings
Publication Type: Abstract Only Publication Acceptance Date: 7/1/2005 Publication Date: 11/13/2005 Citation: Zuerner, R.L. 2005. Genome analysis of pathogenic leptospira [abstract]. International Leptospirosis Society Meeting Abstracts and Proceedings. p. 86. Interpretive Summary: Technical Abstract: Genome sequences of four strains of pathogenic Leptospira have been completed. These data have dramatically improved our knowledge of the coding potential of these bacteria. The organization of genetic material in Leptospira appears to be quite fluid, with many rearrangements being detected throughout the genome. Some of the rearrangements that have been characterized result from recombination or transposition events involving insertion sequence elements distributed throughout the genome. Several discrete deletions occur immediately adjacent to insertion sequences, which suggest these elements have a strong influence on genetic content and organization in Leptospira. Although copies of insertion sequences occur on both the large and small chromosomes of Leptospira, there is no evidence for recombination between these two replicons. Several membrane protein genes have been identified that may be important in interactions with host cells. In addition, several signaling protein genes have been identified. Combined, these data establish a critical foundation for studying how pathogenic Leptospira infect and cause disease. |
