Recurrent evolution of host and vector association in bacteria of the Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato species complex.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (s.l.) species complex consists of tick-transmitted bacteria and currently comprises approximately 20 named and proposed genospecies some of which are known to cause Lyme Borreliosis. Species have been defined via genetic distances and ecological niches they occupy. Understanding the evolutionary relationship of species of the complex is fundamental to explaining patterns of speciation. This in turn forms a crucial basis to frame testable hypotheses concerning the underlying processes including host and vector adaptations.

Results

Illumina Technology was used to obtain genome-wide sequence data for 93 strains of 14 named genospecies of the B. burgdorferi species complex and genomic data already published for 18 additional strain

SUBMITTER: Becker NS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5025617 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature