Lineage-specific <i>tprK</i> diversification and <i>Treponema pallidum</i> transmission dynamics in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Syphilis rates are rising globally, with increases in congenital syphilis in South America particularly concerning. The characterization of contemporary South American Treponema pallidum (Tp) strains is crucial to syphilis vaccine development, yet few genomic epidemiology studies have focused on this region. Here, we performed whole genome sequencing of Tp from Buenos Aires, Argentina, as well as deep sequencing of the hypervariable tprK locus, which is critical to Tp immune evasion.

Methods

People with primary, secondary, or congenital syphilis were enrolled at two clinics in Buenos Aires between October 2018 and January 2023, including individuals associated with intra-household transmission. Tp DNA from swabs was quantified by

SUBMITTER: Lieberman NAP 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12874013 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature