Structure of the expression site reveals global diversity in MSP2 (P44) variants in Anaplasma phagocytophilum.

ABSTRACT: Anaplasma phagocytophilum, a recently reclassified bacteria in the order Rickettsiales, infects many different animal species and causes an emerging tick-borne disease of humans. The genome contains a large number of related genes and gene fragments encoding partial or apparently full-length outer membrane protein MSP2 (P44). Previous data using strains isolated from humans in the United States suggest that antigenic diversity results from RecF-mediated conversion of a single MSP2 (P44) expression site by partially homologous donor sequences. However, whether similar mechanisms operate in naturally infected animal species and the extent of global diversity in MSP2 (P44) are unknown. We analyzed the structure and diversity of the MSP2 (P44) expression site in strains derived from the United

SUBMITTER: Barbet AF 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1695497 | biostudies-literature | 2006 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature