Whole genome analysis of Leptospira licerasiae provides insight into leptospiral evolution and pathogenicity.

ABSTRACT: The whole genome analysis of two strains of the first intermediately pathogenic leptospiral species to be sequenced (Leptospira licerasiae strains VAR010 and MMD0835) provides insight into their pathogenic potential and deepens our understanding of leptospiral evolution. Comparative analysis of eight leptospiral genomes shows the existence of a core leptospiral genome comprising 1547 genes and 452 conserved genes restricted to infectious species (including L. licerasiae) that are likely to be pathogenicity-related. Comparisons of the functional content of the genomes suggests that L. licerasiae retains several proteins related to nitrogen, amino acid and carbohydrate metabolism which might help to explain why these Leptospira grow well in artificial media compared with pathogenic species.

SUBMITTER: Ricaldi JN 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3493377 | biostudies-literature | 2012

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature