Whole genome sequence of the Treponema pallidum subsp. endemicum strain Bosnia A: The genome is related to yaws treponemes but contains few loci similar to syphilis treponemes
2014
Background: T. pallidum subsp. endemicum (TEN) is the causative
agent of bejel (also known as endemic syphilis). Clinical
symptoms of syphilis and bejel are overlapping and the
epidemiological context is important for correct diagnosis of
both diseases. In contrast to syphilis, caused by T. pallidum
subsp. pallidum (TPA), TEN infections are usually spread by
direct contact or contaminated utensils rather than by sexual
contact. Bejel is most often seen in western Africa and in the
Middle East. The strain Bosnia A was isolated in 1950 in
Bosnia, southern Europe. Methodology/Principal Findings: The
complete genome of the Bosnia A strain was amplified and
sequenced using the pooled segment genome sequencing (PSGS)
method and a combination of three next-generation sequencing
techniques (SOLiD, Roche 454, and Illumina). Using this
approach, a total combined average genome coverage of 5136was
achieved. The size of the Bosnia A genome was found to be
1,137,653 bp, i.e. 1.6–2.8 kbp shorter than any previously
published genomes of uncultivable pathogenic treponemes.
Conserved gene synteny was found in the Bosnia A genome
compared to other sequenced syphilis and yaws treponemes. The
TEN Bosnia A genome was distinct but very similar to the genome
of yaws-causing T. pallidum subsp. pertenue (TPE) strains.
Interestingly, the TEN Bosnia A genome was found to contain
several sequences, which so far, have been uniquely identified
only in syphilis treponemes. Conclusions/Significance: The
genome of TEN Bosnia A contains several sequences thought to be
unique to TPA strains; these sequences very likely represent
remnants of recombination events during the evolution of TEN
treponemes. This finding emphasizes a possible role of repeated
horizontal gene transfer between treponemal subspecies in
shaping the Bosnia A genome.
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