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Velasquez MR, De Lay BD, Edmondson DG, Wormser GP, Norris SJ, Cafferky K, Munzer E, Rizk CC, Keller M. A Novel Treponema pallidum Subspecies pallidum Strain Associated With a Painful Oral Lesion Is a Member of a Potentially Emerging Nichols-Related Subgroup. Sex Transm Dis 2024; 51:486-492. [PMID: 38829929 DOI: 10.1097/olq.0000000000001971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Early syphilitic lesions are typically painless; however, several recent case studies have included patients with tender lesions and no evidence of concurrent infections. Here we present the manifestations and serological and molecular findings of a patient from New York State with a painful tongue lesion. METHODS The diagnosis of syphilis was based on a combination of physical examination, serologic, pathologic, and immunohistochemical findings. DNA obtained from a formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded biopsy was used to characterize the infecting pathogen using polymerase chain reaction, multilocus sequence typing, and whole-genome sequencing methods. RESULTS Polymerase chain reaction and multilocus sequence typing of the biopsy specimen confirmed infection with T. pallidum subspecies pallidum ( T. pallidum ) of the Nichols cluster. Whole-genome sequencing analysis of this strain (herein called NYMC01) showed that it contained 17 unique single nucleotide variations and 4 more complex genetic differences; this novel genotype matched only 2 specimens, both from a patient in Seattle, Washington. The presence of this rare genotype in 2 geographically distinct locations suggests the potential emergence and spread of a new subgroup of the Nichols cluster. CONCLUSIONS To our knowledge, this is the first genomic sequence obtained from a T. pallidum strain linked to a painful lesion, and the third description of whole-genome sequencing of T. pallidum from formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue. Analysis of additional specimens may reveal that the NYMC01-related genotype represents an emerging T. pallidum subgroup and may also aid in determining whether the painful clinical presentation of primary syphilis is related to specific T. pallidum genotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Rosa Velasquez
- From the Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, New York Medical College, Westchester Medical Center, Valhalla, NY
| | - Bridget D De Lay
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, McGovern Medical School, UT Health Houston, Houston, TX
| | - Diane G Edmondson
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, McGovern Medical School, UT Health Houston, Houston, TX
| | - Gary P Wormser
- From the Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, New York Medical College, Westchester Medical Center, Valhalla, NY
| | - Steven J Norris
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, McGovern Medical School, UT Health Houston, Houston, TX
| | | | | | | | - Marina Keller
- From the Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, New York Medical College, Westchester Medical Center, Valhalla, NY
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D'aes T, Van de Sande D, De Buck E, Zachée P, Compernolle V, Vandekerckhove P. Does cold storage of blood before transfusion prevent the transmission of syphilis? A systematic review and meta-analysis. Vox Sang 2024; 119:219-231. [PMID: 37889847 DOI: 10.1111/vox.13554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Although screening of donated blood for syphilis is almost universally applied, its cost-effectiveness is questioned because of the low prevalence of transfusion-transmitted syphilis and a widespread belief that the syphilis-causing bacterium Treponema pallidum is very vulnerable to cold storage. Since the latter claim is not yet supported by a systematic review, we investigated whether syphilis can be transmitted via transfusion following prolonged (cold or room temperature) storage of blood products. MATERIALS AND METHODS MEDLINE, PMC and NCBI bookshelf (PubMed interface), Cochrane Library, Embase, Web of Science and CINAHL were searched up to 17 January 2023. RESULTS Nine experimental animal studies and one observational human study were included. Meta-analysis showed that storing artificially infected human (six studies; risk ratio [RR] = 0.37, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.22-0.64, p = 0.0003) or rabbit (two studies; RR = 0.08, 95% CI: 0.01 to 0.55, p = 0.01) blood for more than 72 h before intratesticular injection significantly decreased the number of recipient animals that develop syphilis. Nonetheless, the possibility of syphilis transmission remained for up to 7 days. Differences could not be found for rabbit plasma (p = 0.60) or naturally infected rabbit blood (p = 0.28). There was limited evidence from one study in favour of the storage of artificially infected human platelets for over 72 h at cold temperatures (RR = 0.13, 95% CI: 0.03-0.52, p = 0.004) but not at room temperature (p = 0.12). CONCLUSION Even though the infectivity of T. pallidum-spiked blood may decrease after 72 h of cold storage, the possibility for transfusion-transmitted syphilis may remain for several days after. The evidence is very uncertain, and conclusions are hindered by a lack of sufficiently powered studies and studies in humans. In addition, T. pallidum concentrations used in animal studies may be unrealistically high.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tine D'aes
- Centre for Evidence-Based Practice, Belgian Red Cross, Mechelen, Belgium
| | | | - Emmy De Buck
- Centre for Evidence-Based Practice, Belgian Red Cross, Mechelen, Belgium
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Leuven Institute for Healthcare Policy, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Veerle Compernolle
- Belgian Red Cross, Mechelen, Belgium
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Ghent, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Philippe Vandekerckhove
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Leuven Institute for Healthcare Policy, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Belgian Red Cross, Mechelen, Belgium
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Department of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
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3
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Edmondson DG, De Lay BD, Hanson BM, Kowis LE, Norris SJ. Clonal isolates of Treponema pallidum subsp. pallidum Nichols provide evidence for the occurrence of microevolution during experimental rabbit infection and in vitro culture. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0281187. [PMID: 36917571 PMCID: PMC10013896 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0281187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The recent development of a system for long-term in vitro culture of the syphilis spirochete, Treponema pallidum subsp. pallidum, has introduced the possibility of detailed genetic analysis of this bacterium. In this study, the in vitro culture system was used to isolate and characterize clonal populations of T. pallidum subsp. pallidum Nichols, the most widely studied strain. In limiting dilutions experiments, it was possible to establish cultures with inocula as low as 0.5 T. pallidum per well despite the long generation time (~35 to 40 hours) of this organism. Six Nichols strain clones isolated by limiting dilution were characterized in detail. All clones exhibited indistinguishable morphology and motility, highly similar in vitro multiplication rates, and comparable infectivity in the rabbit model (ID50 ≤ 100 bacteria). Genomic sequencing revealed sequence heterogeneity in the form of insertions or deletions at 5 sites, single nucleotide variations at 20 sites, and polynucleotide (polyG/C) tract length differences at 22 locations. Genomic sequences of the uncloned Nichols strain preparations propagated in rabbits or in vitro cultures exhibited substantial heterogeneity at these locations, indicating coexistence of many varied 'clonotypes' within these populations. Nearly all genetic variations were specific for the Nichols strain and were not detected in the >280 T. pallidum genomic sequences that are currently available. We hypothesize that these Nichols strain-specific sequence variations arose independently either during human infection or within the 110 years since the strain's initial isolation, and thus represent examples of microevolution and divergence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diane G. Edmondson
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Bridget D. De Lay
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Blake M. Hanson
- Department of Pediatrics, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, Texas, United States of America
- Department of Epidemiology, Human Genetics & Environmental Sciences, Center for Infectious Diseases, School of Public Health, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Lindsay E. Kowis
- Houston Methodist Research Institute, Infectious Disease, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Steven J. Norris
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, Texas, United States of America
- Department of Microbiology & Molecular Genetics, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, Texas, United States of America
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4
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Pla-Díaz M, Sánchez-Busó L, Giacani L, Šmajs D, Bosshard PP, Bagheri HC, Schuenemann VJ, Nieselt K, Arora N, González-Candelas F. Evolutionary processes in the emergence and recent spread of the syphilis agent, Treponema pallidum. Mol Biol Evol 2021; 39:6427636. [PMID: 34791386 PMCID: PMC8789261 DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msab318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The incidence of syphilis has risen worldwide in the last decade in spite of being an easily treated infection. The causative agent of this sexually transmitted disease is the bacterium Treponema pallidum subspecies pallidum (TPA), very closely related to subsp. pertenue (TPE) and endemicum (TEN), responsible for the human treponematoses yaws and bejel, respectively. Although much focus has been placed on the question of the spatial and temporary origins of TPA, the processes driving the evolution and epidemiological spread of TPA since its divergence from TPE and TEN are not well understood. Here, we investigate the effects of recombination and selection as forces of genetic diversity and differentiation acting during the evolution of T. pallidum subspecies. Using a custom-tailored procedure, named phylogenetic incongruence method, with 75 complete genome sequences, we found strong evidence for recombination among the T. pallidum subspecies, involving 12 genes and 21 events. In most cases, only one recombination event per gene was detected and all but one event corresponded to intersubspecies transfers, from TPE/TEN to TPA. We found a clear signal of natural selection acting on the recombinant genes, which is more intense in their recombinant regions. The phylogenetic location of the recombination events detected and the functional role of the genes with signals of positive selection suggest that these evolutionary processes had a key role in the evolution and recent expansion of the syphilis bacteria and significant implications for the selection of vaccine candidates and the design of a broadly protective syphilis vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Pla-Díaz
- Unidad Mixta Infección y Salud Pública FISABIO/Universidad de Valencia-I2SysBio, Spain.,CIBER in Epidemiology and Public Health, Spain
| | - Leonor Sánchez-Busó
- Genomics and Health Area, Foundation for the Promotion of Health and Biomedical Research in the Valencian Community (FISABIO-Public Health), Valencia, Spain
| | - Lorenzo Giacani
- Department of Medicine, Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, and Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - David Šmajs
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Czech Republic
| | - Philipp P Bosshard
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | | | - Kay Nieselt
- Center for Bioinformatics, University of Tübingen, Germany
| | - Natasha Arora
- Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies, University of Zurich, Switzerland.,Zurich Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Fernando González-Candelas
- Unidad Mixta Infección y Salud Pública FISABIO/Universidad de Valencia-I2SysBio, Spain.,CIBER in Epidemiology and Public Health, Spain.,Genomics and Health Area, Foundation for the Promotion of Health and Biomedical Research in the Valencian Community (FISABIO-Public Health), Valencia, Spain
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5
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Drews SJ. Prevention of transfusion-transmitted syphilis by blood operators: How much is enough when transfusion-transmission has not been identified for decades? Transfusion 2021; 61:3055-3060. [PMID: 34617282 DOI: 10.1111/trf.16696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Steven J Drews
- Microbiology Department, Donation Policy and Studies, Canadian Blood Services, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.,Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology, Division of Diagnostic and Applied Microbiology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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6
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Edmondson DG, DeLay BD, Kowis LE, Norris SJ. Parameters Affecting Continuous In Vitro Culture of Treponema pallidum Strains. mBio 2021; 12:e03536-20. [PMID: 33622721 PMCID: PMC8545124 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.03536-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The bacterium that causes syphilis, Treponema pallidum subsp. pallidum, has now been cultured in vitro continuously for periods exceeding 3 years using a system consisting of coculture with Sf1Ep rabbit epithelial cells in TpCM-2 medium and a low-oxygen environment. In addition, long-term culture of several other syphilis isolates (SS14, Mexico A, UW231B, and UW249B) and the T. pallidum subsp. endemicum Bosnia A strain has been achieved. During in vitro passage, T. pallidum subsp. pallidum exhibited a typical bacterial growth curve with logarithmic and stationary phases. Sf1Ep cells are required for sustained growth and motility; however, high initial Sf1Ep cell numbers resulted in reduced multiplication and survival. Use of Eagle's minimal essential medium as the basal medium was not effective in sustaining growth of T. pallidum subsp. pallidum beyond the first passage, whereas CMRL 1066 or M199 supported long-term culture, confirming that additional nutrients present in these more complex basal media are required for long-term culture. T. pallidum subsp. pallidum growth was dependent upon the presence of fetal bovine serum, with 20% (vol/vol) being the optimal concentration. Omission of reactive oxygen species scavengers dithiothreitol, d-mannitol, or l-histidine did not dramatically affect survival or growth. Additionally, T. pallidum subsp. pallidum can be successfully cultured in a Brewer jar instead of a specialized low-oxygen incubator. Phosphomycin or amphotericin B can be added to the medium to aid in the prevention of bacterial or fungal contamination, respectively. These results help define the parameters of the T. pallidum subsp. pallidum culture system that are required for sustained, long-term survival and multiplication.IMPORTANCE Syphilis is caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum subsp. pallidum Until recently, this pathogen could only be maintained through infection of rabbits or other animals, making study of this important human pathogen challenging and costly. T. pallidum subsp. pallidum has now been successfully cultured for over 3 years in a tissue culture system using a medium called TpCM-2. Here, we further define the growth requirements of this important human pathogen, promoting a better understanding of the biology of this fastidious organism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diane G Edmondson
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Bridget D DeLay
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Lindsay E Kowis
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Steven J Norris
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
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7
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Edmondson DG, Wormser GP, Norris SJ. In Vitro Susceptibility of Treponema pallidum subsp. pallidum to Doxycycline. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2020; 64:e00979-20. [PMID: 32718967 PMCID: PMC7508625 DOI: 10.1128/aac.00979-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Doxycycline is regarded as an effective therapy for early syphilis, and there is increasing interest in using doxycycline for prophylaxis of this infection. However, the MIC of doxycycline for Treponema pallidum subsp. pallidum has not been reported previously. In this study, an in vitro culture system was utilized to determine that the MIC of doxycycline is 0.06 to 0.10 μg/ml for four strains of T. pallidum subsp. pallidum (Nichols, SS14, UW231B, and UW249B). The Nichols strain cultured in vitro with doxycycline was also tested for infectivity in rabbits, and the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) was found to be ≤0.1 μg/ml using this method. The low MIC and MBC values are consistent with the previously demonstrated clinical efficacy of doxycycline for the treatment of early syphilis. This study represents the first report of the in vitro susceptibility of T. pallidum to doxycycline, and the resulting information may be useful in the consideration of doxycycline for use in prevention of syphilis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diane G Edmondson
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Gary P Wormser
- Division of Infectious Diseases, New York Medical College, Valhalla, New York, USA
| | - Steven J Norris
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, Texas, USA
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Drago F, Javor S, Parodi A. Relevance in biology and mechanisms of immune and treatment evasion of Treponema pallidum. GIORN ITAL DERMAT V 2017; 154:573-580. [PMID: 29199801 DOI: 10.23736/s0392-0488.17.05830-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION During syphilis a compelling fight is engaged between the host's humoral and cellular immune responses that work to eliminate the infection and Treponema pallidum (T. pallidum) that manages to evade eradication and cause chronic infection. Different mechanisms are utilized by treponemes to overcome immunological response. Although penicillin (BPG) proved to be effective in quelling the early manifestations of the disease and consequently its contagiousness, questions remain about its ability to prevent the late complications and to provide a microbiological eradication in vivo. In fact, both serological and microbiological failures have been reported following conventional treatment. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION We reviewed some biologic properties of T. pallidum in order to establish a relationship with the persistence of the infection and the alleged treatment resistance. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS The host humoral response, sometimes, may not protect completely against T. pallidum and accounts for the persistent infection and tertiary damages. In fact, the cell mediated response during infection may be downregulate in response to pathogen-derived molecules, or indirectly by generating Treg cells. It is also possible that there are strain types of T. pallidum with higher ability of evasion determining neurosyphilis. In addition, apart the impressive results that BPG has made on the syphilis cutaneous lesions, concerns still remain on its efficacy in preventing late complications. CONCLUSIONS Understanding the biology of the T. pallidum may help researchers in this field to develop future target therapies in order to prevent persistent infection and progression of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Drago
- Section of Dermatology, Department of Health Sciences, San Martino University Hospital IRCCS, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Sanja Javor
- Section of Dermatology, Department of Health Sciences, San Martino University Hospital IRCCS, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy -
| | - Aurora Parodi
- Section of Dermatology, Department of Health Sciences, San Martino University Hospital IRCCS, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
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Tong ML, Zhao Q, Liu LL, Zhu XZ, Gao K, Zhang HL, Lin LR, Niu JJ, Ji ZL, Yang TC. Whole genome sequence of the Treponema pallidum subsp. pallidum strain Amoy: An Asian isolate highly similar to SS14. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0182768. [PMID: 28787460 PMCID: PMC5546693 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0182768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2017] [Accepted: 07/24/2017] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Treponema pallidum ssp. pallidum (T. pallidum), the causative agent of the sexually transmitted disease syphilis, is an uncultivatable human pathogen. The geographical differences in T. pallidum genomes leading to differences in pathogenicity are not yet understood. Presently, twelve T. pallidum genomes are available to the public, all of which are American in origin and often co-infect patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). In this study, we examined the T. pallidum subsp. pallidum strain Amoy, a syphilis pathogen found in Xiamen, China. We sequenced its genome using Illumina next-generation sequencing technology and obtained a nearly (98.83%) complete genome of approximately 1.12 Mbps. The new genome shows good synteny with its five T. pallidum sibling strains (Nichols, SS14, Mexico A, DAL-1, and Chicago), among which SS14 is the strain closest to the Amoy strain. Compared with strain SS14, the Amoy strain possesses four uncharacterized strain-specific genes and is likely missing six genes, including a gene encoding the TPR domain protein, which may partially account for the comparatively low virulence and toxicity of the Amoy strain in animal infection. Notably, we did not detect the 23S rRNA A2058G/A2059G mutation in the Amoy strain, which likely explains the sensitivity of Amoy strain to macrolides. The results of this study will lead to a better understanding of the pathogenesis of syphilis and the geographical distribution of T. pallidum genotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Man-Li Tong
- Zhongshan Hospital, Medical College of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- Institute of Infectious Disease, Medical College of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Qiang Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Stress Cell Biology, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, P.R. China
| | - Li-Li Liu
- Zhongshan Hospital, Medical College of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Xiao-Zhen Zhu
- Zhongshan Hospital, Medical College of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Kun Gao
- Zhongshan Hospital, Medical College of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Hui-Lin Zhang
- Zhongshan Hospital, Medical College of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Li-Rong Lin
- Zhongshan Hospital, Medical College of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Jian-Jun Niu
- Zhongshan Hospital, Medical College of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- * E-mail: (TCY); (ZLJ); (JJN)
| | - Zhi-Liang Ji
- State Key Laboratory of Stress Cell Biology, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, P.R. China
- * E-mail: (TCY); (ZLJ); (JJN)
| | - Tian-Ci Yang
- Zhongshan Hospital, Medical College of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- Institute of Infectious Disease, Medical College of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- * E-mail: (TCY); (ZLJ); (JJN)
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10
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Origin of modern syphilis and emergence of a pandemic Treponema pallidum cluster. Nat Microbiol 2016; 2:16245. [PMID: 27918528 DOI: 10.1038/nmicrobiol.2016.245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2016] [Accepted: 11/03/2016] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The abrupt onslaught of the syphilis pandemic that started in the late fifteenth century established this devastating infectious disease as one of the most feared in human history1. Surprisingly, despite the availability of effective antibiotic treatment since the mid-twentieth century, this bacterial infection, which is caused by Treponema pallidum subsp. pallidum (TPA), has been re-emerging globally in the last few decades with an estimated 10.6 million cases in 2008 (ref. 2). Although resistance to penicillin has not yet been identified, an increasing number of strains fail to respond to the second-line antibiotic azithromycin3. Little is known about the genetic patterns in current infections or the evolutionary origins of the disease due to the low quantities of treponemal DNA in clinical samples and difficulties in cultivating the pathogen4. Here, we used DNA capture and whole-genome sequencing to successfully interrogate genome-wide variation from syphilis patient specimens, combined with laboratory samples of TPA and two other subspecies. Phylogenetic comparisons based on the sequenced genomes indicate that the TPA strains examined share a common ancestor after the fifteenth century, within the early modern era. Moreover, most contemporary strains are azithromycin-resistant and are members of a globally dominant cluster, named here as SS14-Ω. The cluster diversified from a common ancestor in the mid-twentieth century subsequent to the discovery of antibiotics. Its recent phylogenetic divergence and global presence point to the emergence of a pandemic strain cluster.
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11
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Genome-scale analysis of the non-cultivable Treponema pallidum reveals extensive within-patient genetic variation. Nat Microbiol 2016; 2:16190. [PMID: 27748767 DOI: 10.1038/nmicrobiol.2016.190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2016] [Accepted: 08/31/2016] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Insights into the genomic adaptive traits of Treponema pallidum, the causative bacterium of syphilis, have long been hampered due to the absence of in vitro culture models and the constraints associated with its propagation in rabbits. Here, we have bypassed the culture bottleneck by means of a targeted strategy never applied to uncultivable bacterial human pathogens to directly capture whole-genome T. pallidum data in the context of human infection. This strategy has unveiled a scenario of discreet T. pallidum interstrain single-nucleotide-polymorphism-based microevolution, contrasting with a rampant within-patient genetic heterogeneity mainly targeting multiple phase-variable loci and a major antigen-coding gene (tprK). TprK demonstrated remarkable variability and redundancy, intra- and interpatient, suggesting ongoing parallel adaptive diversification during human infection. Some bacterial functions (for example, flagella- and chemotaxis-associated) were systematically targeted by both inter- and intrastrain single nucleotide polymorphisms, as well as by ongoing within-patient phase variation events. Finally, patient-derived genomes possess mutations targeting a penicillin-binding protein coding gene (mrcA) that had never been reported, unveiling it as a candidate target to investigate the impact on the susceptibility to penicillin. Our findings decode the major genetic mechanisms by which T. pallidum promotes immune evasion and survival, and demonstrate the exceptional power of characterizing evolving pathogen subpopulations during human infection.
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The past 15 years have seen a dramatic increase in syphilis diagnoses in several regions including China, North America, Western Europe and Australia. Worldwide, the disease remains prevalent, contributing to substantial adult morbidity and neonatal mortality. Testing and treatment strategies are largely informed by data from the early antibiotic era, but increasing use of molecular diagnostics and new screening strategies could improve the management of syphilis substantially. RECENT FINDINGS The review explores new testing strategies for syphilis, including the importance of screening test selection and advances in point-of-care diagnostics. It then examines molecular studies of Treponema pallidum, covering typing; macrolide resistance; association between genotype and phenotype and the use of PCR in testing and monitoring strategies. SUMMARY Clinicians should be aware of testing strategies employed by their laboratories to ensure optimal sensitivity and specificity. Locally available T. pallidum PCR assays may improve the diagnosis of early disease and inform antibiotic choice. Robust serologic follow-up is still required, but predictors of potential treatment failure, including PCR-measured bacterial load, have been identified. Re-treatment should be considered for patients in the serofast state. The publication of T. pallidum genomes would allow further and more detailed study of strains and disease pathogenesis.
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Giacani L, Brandt SL, Ke W, Reid TB, Molini BJ, Iverson-Cabral S, Ciccarese G, Drago F, Lukehart SA, Centurion-Lara A. Transcription of TP0126, Treponema pallidum putative OmpW homolog, is regulated by the length of a homopolymeric guanosine repeat. Infect Immun 2015; 83:2275-89. [PMID: 25802057 PMCID: PMC4432754 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00360-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2015] [Accepted: 03/17/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
An effective mechanism for introduction of phenotypic diversity within a bacterial population exploits changes in the length of repetitive DNA elements located within gene promoters. This phenomenon, known as phase variation, causes rapid activation or silencing of gene expression and fosters bacterial adaptation to new or changing environments. Phase variation often occurs in surface-exposed proteins, and in Treponema pallidum subsp. pallidum, the syphilis agent, it was reported to affect transcription of three putative outer membrane protein (OMP)-encoding genes. When the T. pallidum subsp. pallidum Nichols strain genome was initially annotated, the TP0126 open reading frame was predicted to include a poly(G) tract and did not appear to have a predicted signal sequence that might suggest the possibility of its being an OMP. Here we show that the initial annotation was incorrect, that this poly(G) is instead located within the TP0126 promoter, and that it varies in length in vivo during experimental syphilis. Additionally, we show that TP0126 transcription is affected by changes in the poly(G) length consistent with regulation by phase variation. In silico analysis of the TP0126 open reading frame based on the experimentally identified transcriptional start site shortens this hypothetical protein by 69 amino acids, reveals a predicted cleavable signal peptide, and suggests structural homology with the OmpW family of porins. Circular dichroism of recombinant TP0126 supports structural homology to OmpW. Together with the evidence that TP0126 is fully conserved among T. pallidum subspecies and strains, these data suggest an important role for TP0126 in T. pallidum biology and syphilis pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Giacani
- Department of Medicine, Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Stephanie L Brandt
- Department of Medicine, Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Wujian Ke
- Department of Medicine, Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA Graduate School, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China, and Division of STD, Guangdong Provincial Center for STI & Skin Diseases Control and Prevention, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Tara B Reid
- Department of Medicine, Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Barbara J Molini
- Department of Medicine, Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Stefanie Iverson-Cabral
- Department of Medicine, Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Giulia Ciccarese
- Department of Dermatology, IRCCS Azienda Universitaria Ospedaliera San Martino-IST, Genoa, Italy
| | - Francesco Drago
- Department of Dermatology, IRCCS Azienda Universitaria Ospedaliera San Martino-IST, Genoa, Italy
| | - Sheila A Lukehart
- Department of Medicine, Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Arturo Centurion-Lara
- Department of Medicine, Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
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Gaul JS, Winter E, Grossschmidt K. Ancient pathogens in museal dry bone specimens: analysis of paleocytology and aDNA. Wien Med Wochenschr 2015; 165:133-9. [PMID: 25994097 DOI: 10.1007/s10354-015-0357-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2014] [Accepted: 04/16/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Bone samples investigated in this study derive from the pathologic-anatomical collection of the Natural History Museum of Vienna. In order to explore the survival of treponemes and treponemal ancient DNA in museal dry bone specimens, we analyzed three individuals known to have been infected with Treponema pallidum pallidum. No reproducible evidence of surviving pathogen's ancient DNA (aDNA) was obtained, despite the highly sensitive extraction and amplification techniques (TPP15 and arp). Additionally, decalcification fluid of bone sections was smear stained with May-Gruenwald-Giemsa. The slides were examined using direct light microscope and dark field illumination. Remnants of spirochetal structures were detectable in every smear. Our results demonstrate that aDNA is unlikely to survive, but spirochetal remains are stainable and thus detectable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna Sophia Gaul
- Department of Anthropology, University of Vienna, Althanstrasse 14, 1090, Vienna, Austria,
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Ma DY, Giacani L, Centurión-Lara A. The molecular epidemiology of Treponema pallidum subspecies pallidum. Sex Health 2015; 12:141-7. [PMID: 25844928 PMCID: PMC5659262 DOI: 10.1071/sh14197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2014] [Accepted: 01/18/2015] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Pathogens adapt and evolve in response to pressures exerted by host environments, leading to generation of genetically diverse variants. Treponema pallidum subspecies pallidum displays a substantial amount of interstrain diversity. These variants have been identified in various parts of the world, indicating transmission linkage between geographical regions. Genotyping is based on molecular characterisation of various loci in the syphilis treponeme genome, but still require further development and continued research, as new bacterial types are continually being detected. The goal for studying the molecular epidemiology of Treponema pallidum variants is the global monitoring of the transmission of genetically distinct organisms with different drug sensitivities and, potentially, different virulence proprieties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daphne Y. Ma
- University of Washington, Department of Global Health, 325 9th Avenue, Seattle, WA, 98104, USA
| | - Lorenzo Giacani
- University of Washington, Department of Global Health, 325 9th Avenue, Seattle, WA, 98104, USA
- University of Washington, Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, 325 9th Avenue, Seattle, WA, 98104, USA
| | - Arturo Centurión-Lara
- Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Facultad de Salud Pública, Avenida Honorio Delgado 430, San Martín de Porres 15102, Lima, Perú
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Nechvátal L, Pětrošová H, Grillová L, Pospíšilová P, Mikalová L, Strnadel R, Kuklová I, Kojanová M, Kreidlová M, Vaňousová D, Procházka P, Zákoucká H, Krchňáková A, Šmajs D. Syphilis-causing strains belong to separate SS14-like or Nichols-like groups as defined by multilocus analysis of 19 Treponema pallidum strains. Int J Med Microbiol 2014; 304:645-53. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmm.2014.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2014] [Revised: 04/14/2014] [Accepted: 04/21/2014] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
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Abstract
Improved understanding of the differential diagnosis of endemic treponematoses is needed to inform clinical practice and to ensure the best outcome for a new global initiative for the eradication of yaws, bejel, and pinta. Traditionally, the human treponematoses have been differentiated based upon their clinical manifestations and epidemiologic characteristics because the etiologic agents are indistinguishable in the laboratory. Serological tests are still considered standard laboratory methods for the diagnosis of endemic treponematoses and new rapid point-of-care treponemal tests have become available which are extremely useful in low-resource settings. In the past ten years, there has been an increasing effort to apply polymerase chain reaction to treponematoses and whole genome fingerprinting techniques have identified genetic signatures that can differentiate the existing treponemal strains; however, definitive diagnosis is also hampered by widespread unavailability of molecular diagnostics. We review the dilemmas in the diagnosis of endemic treponematoses, and advances in the discovery of new diagnostic tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oriol Mitjà
- Barcelona Centre for International Health Research, Hospital Clínic, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Lihir Medical Centre-InternationalSOS, Lihir Island, Papua New Guinea
| | - David Šmajs
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Quique Bassat
- Lihir Medical Centre-InternationalSOS, Lihir Island, Papua New Guinea
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Pětrošová H, Pospíšilová P, Strouhal M, Čejková D, Zobaníková M, Mikalová L, Sodergren E, Weinstock GM, Šmajs D. Resequencing of Treponema pallidum ssp. pallidum strains Nichols and SS14: correction of sequencing errors resulted in increased separation of syphilis treponeme subclusters. PLoS One 2013; 8:e74319. [PMID: 24058545 PMCID: PMC3769245 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0074319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2013] [Accepted: 07/24/2013] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Treponema pallidum ssp. pallidum (TPA), the causative agent of syphilis, is a highly clonal bacterium showing minimal genetic variability in the genome sequence of individual strains. Nevertheless, genetically characterized syphilis strains can be clearly divided into two groups, Nichols-like strains and SS14-like strains. TPA Nichols and SS14 strains were completely sequenced in 1998 and 2008, respectively. Since publication of their complete genome sequences, a number of sequencing errors in each genome have been reported. Therefore, we have resequenced TPA Nichols and SS14 strains using next-generation sequencing techniques. Methodology/Principal Findings The genomes of TPA strains Nichols and SS14 were resequenced using the 454 and Illumina sequencing methods that have a combined average coverage higher than 90x. In the TPA strain Nichols genome, 134 errors were identified (25 substitutions and 109 indels), and 102 of them affected protein sequences. In the TPA SS14 genome, a total of 191 errors were identified (85 substitutions and 106 indels) and 136 of them affected protein sequences. A set of new intrastrain heterogenic regions in the TPA SS14 genome were identified including the tprD gene, where both tprD and tprD2 alleles were found. The resequenced genomes of both TPA Nichols and SS14 strains clustered more closely with related strains (i.e. strains belonging to same syphilis treponeme subcluster). At the same time, groups of Nichols-like and SS14-like strains were found to be more distantly related. Conclusion/Significance We identified errors in 11.5% of all annotated genes and, after correction, we found a significant impact on the predicted proteomes of both Nichols and SS14 strains. Corrections of these errors resulted in protein elongations, truncations, fusions and indels in more than 11% of all annotated proteins. Moreover, it became more evident that syphilis is caused by treponemes belonging to two separate genetic subclusters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena Pětrošová
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Petra Pospíšilová
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Michal Strouhal
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
- Department of Genetics, The Genome Institute, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Darina Čejková
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
- Department of Genetics, The Genome Institute, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Marie Zobaníková
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Lenka Mikalová
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
- Department of Genetics, The Genome Institute, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Erica Sodergren
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
- Department of Genetics, The Genome Institute, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - George M. Weinstock
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
- Department of Genetics, The Genome Institute, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - David Šmajs
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
- * E-mail:
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Whole-genome sequencing of bacterial sexually transmitted infections: implications for clinicians. Curr Opin Infect Dis 2013; 26:90-8. [PMID: 23221768 DOI: 10.1097/qco.0b013e32835c2159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Increasingly, genomics is being used to answer detailed clinical questions. Although genome analysis of bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs) lags far behind that of many other bacterial pathogens, genomics can reveal previously inaccessible aspects of pathogen biology. RECENT FINDINGS Comparative genomic studies on the most common bacterial STI, chlamydia, have revolutionized our understanding of this intracellular bacterium, demonstrating that it undergoes extensive recombination and that the traditional typing schemes can be misleading. Genome projects can also help us to understand the recently observed phenomenon of 'diagnostic escape' seen in both Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae. SUMMARY The routine use of genomics in clinical settings is becoming a reality. For STIs, a primary requirement is an understanding of the diversity of circulating strains and how they change over time. This can help to inform future studies and allow us to address real clinical issues such as outbreak identification, global spread of successful clones and antimicrobial resistance monitoring.
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Centurion-Lara A, Giacani L, Godornes C, Molini BJ, Brinck Reid T, Lukehart SA. Fine analysis of genetic diversity of the tpr gene family among treponemal species, subspecies and strains. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2013; 7:e2222. [PMID: 23696912 PMCID: PMC3656149 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0002222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2012] [Accepted: 04/05/2013] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The pathogenic non-cultivable treponemes include three subspecies of Treponema pallidum (pallidum, pertenue, endemicum), T. carateum, T. paraluiscuniculi, and the unclassified Fribourg-Blanc treponeme (Simian isolate). These treponemes are morphologically indistinguishable and antigenically and genetically highly similar, yet cross-immunity is variable or non-existent. Although all of these organisms cause chronic, multistage skin and systemic disease, they have historically been classified by mode of transmission, clinical presentations and host ranges. Whole genome studies underscore the high degree of sequence identity among species, subspecies and strains, pinpointing a limited number of genomic regions for variation. Many of these “hot spots” include members of the tpr gene family, composed of 12 paralogs encoding candidate virulence factors. We hypothesize that the distinct clinical presentations, host specificity, and variable cross-immunity might reside on virulence factors such as the tpr genes. Methodology/Principal Findings Sequence analysis of 11 tpr loci (excluding tprK) from 12 strains demonstrated an impressive heterogeneity, including SNPs, indels, chimeric genes, truncated gene products and large deletions. Comparative analyses of sequences and 3D models of predicted proteins in Subfamily I highlight the striking co-localization of discrete variable regions with predicted surface-exposed loops. A hallmark of Subfamily II is the presence of chimeric genes in the tprG and J loci. Diversity in Subfamily III is limited to tprA and tprL. Conclusions/Significance An impressive sequence variability was found in tpr sequences among the Treponema isolates examined in this study, with most of the variation being consistent within subspecies or species, or between syphilis vs. non-syphilis strains. Variability was seen in the pallidum subspecies, which can be divided into 5 genogroups. These findings support a genetic basis for the classification of these organisms into their respective subspecies and species. Future functional studies will determine whether the identified genetic differences relate to cross-immunity, clinical differences, or host ranges. Pathogenic treponemes include three subspecies of Treponema pallidum (pallidum, pertenue, endemicum), T. carateum, T. paraluiscuniculi, and the unclassified Fribourg-Blanc treponeme. Although they share morphology and have very similar antigenic profiles, they have traditionally been distinguished by mode of transmission, host specificity and the clinical manifestations that they cause. The molecular basis for these disease characteristics is not known. Comparative genomics has revealed that sequences differences among the species and subspecies are found in very localized regions of the chromosome. Many of these regions of sequence variation are found in the tpr genes, which encode a family of twelve candidate virulence factors, many of which are predicted to be outer membrane proteins. Most of the tpr-specific sequence changes are consistent within subspecies or species, supporting the historical classification of these organisms into separate subspecies and species. Functional studies are needed to determine whether any of the tpr gene differences are related to differences in host range, immunity, or clinical manifestations.
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Zobaníková M, Strouhal M, Mikalová L, Čejková D, Ambrožová L, Pospíšilová P, Fulton LL, Chen L, Sodergren E, Weinstock GM, Šmajs D. Whole genome sequence of the Treponema Fribourg-Blanc: unspecified simian isolate is highly similar to the yaws subspecies. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2013; 7:e2172. [PMID: 23638193 PMCID: PMC3630124 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0002172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2013] [Accepted: 03/07/2013] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Unclassified simian strain Treponema Fribourg-Blanc was isolated in 1966 from baboons (Papio cynocephalus) in West Africa. This strain was morphologically indistinguishable from T. pallidum ssp. pallidum or ssp. pertenue strains, and it was shown to cause human infections. Methodology/Principal Findings To precisely define genetic differences between Treponema Fribourg-Blanc (unclassified simian isolate, FB) and T. pallidum ssp. pertenue strains (TPE), a high quality sequence of the whole Fribourg-Blanc genome was determined with 454-pyrosequencing and Illumina sequencing platforms. Combined average coverage of both methods was greater than 500×. Restriction target sites (n = 1,773), identified in silico, of selected restriction enzymes within the Fribourg-Blanc genome were verified experimentally and no discrepancies were found. When compared to the other three sequenced TPE genomes (Samoa D, CDC-2, Gauthier), no major genome rearrangements were found. The Fribourg-Blanc genome clustered with other TPE strains (especially with the TPE CDC-2 strain), while T. pallidum ssp. pallidum strains clustered separately as well as the genome of T. paraluiscuniculi strain Cuniculi A. Within coding regions, 6 deletions, 5 insertions and 117 substitutions differentiated Fribourg-Blanc from other TPE genomes. Conclusions/Significance The Fribourg-Blanc genome showed similar genetic characteristics as other TPE strains. Therefore, we propose to rename the unclassified simian isolate to Treponema pallidum ssp. pertenue strain Fribourg-Blanc. Since the Fribourg-Blanc strain was shown to cause experimental infection in human hosts, non-human primates could serve as possible reservoirs of TPE strains. This could considerably complicate recent efforts to eradicate yaws. Genetic differences specific for Fribourg-Blanc could then contribute for identification of cases of animal-derived yaws infections. A bacterial strain isolated in 1966 from baboons (Papio cynocephalus) in West Africa was preliminarily characterized as unclassified simian strain Treponema Fribourg-Blanc (FB). This strain was morphologically identical to T. pallidum ssp. pallidum (TPA, agent of syphilis) or ssp. pertenue (TPE, agent of yaws). In this study, we completed a high quality whole genome sequence of simian isolate Treponema Fribourg-Blanc and compared it to known genome sequences of Treponema pallidum strains. No major differences in the gene order of the FB genome were found when compared to all known genomes of Treponema pallidum subspecies. Moreover, the FB genome clustered with other TPE strains, while T. pallidum ssp. pallidum strains clustered separately. In general, the FB genome showed similar genetic characteristics to other TPE strains. Therefore, we proposed that the simian isolate Fribourg-Blanc be classified as a bacterial strain belonging to Treponema pallidum ssp. pertenue. It appears that, except for humans, the reservoir of yaws-causing treponemes may also include free-living primates, especially in Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Zobaníková
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Michal Strouhal
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
- The Genome Institute, Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Lenka Mikalová
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Darina Čejková
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
- The Genome Institute, Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Lenka Ambrožová
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Petra Pospíšilová
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Lucinda L. Fulton
- The Genome Institute, Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Lei Chen
- The Genome Institute, Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Erica Sodergren
- The Genome Institute, Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - George M. Weinstock
- The Genome Institute, Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - David Šmajs
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
- * E-mail:
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Čejková D, Zobaníková M, Pospíšilová P, Strouhal M, Mikalová L, Weinstock GM, Šmajs D. Structure of rrn operons in pathogenic non-cultivable treponemes: sequence but not genomic position of intergenic spacers correlates with classification of Treponema pallidum and Treponema paraluiscuniculi strains. J Med Microbiol 2012; 62:196-207. [PMID: 23082031 PMCID: PMC3755535 DOI: 10.1099/jmm.0.050658-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
This study examined the sequences of the two rRNA (rrn) operons of pathogenic non-cultivable treponemes, comprising 11 strains of T. pallidum ssp. pallidum (TPA), five strains of T. pallidum ssp. pertenue (TPE), two strains of T. pallidum ssp. endemicum (TEN), a simian Fribourg-Blanc strain and a rabbit T. paraluiscuniculi (TPc) strain. PCR was used to determine the type of 16S–23S ribosomal intergenic spacers in the rrn operons from 30 clinical samples belonging to five different genotypes. When compared with the TPA strains, TPc Cuniculi A strain had a 17 bp deletion, and the TPE, TEN and Fribourg-Blanc isolates had a deletion of 33 bp. Other than these deletions, only 17 heterogeneous sites were found within the entire region (excluding the 16S–23S intergenic spacer region encoding tRNA-Ile or tRNA-Ala). The pattern of nucleotide changes in the rrn operons corresponded to the classification of treponemal strains, whilst two different rrn spacer patterns (Ile/Ala and Ala/Ile) appeared to be distributed randomly across species/subspecies classification, time and geographical source of the treponemal strains. It is suggested that the random distribution of tRNA genes is caused by reciprocal translocation between repetitive sequences mediated by a recBCD-like system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darina Čejková
- The Genome Institute, Washington University in St Louis, 4444 Forest Park Avenue, St Louis, MO 63108, USA.,Department of Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, Building A6, 62500 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Marie Zobaníková
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, Building A6, 62500 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Petra Pospíšilová
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, Building A6, 62500 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Michal Strouhal
- The Genome Institute, Washington University in St Louis, 4444 Forest Park Avenue, St Louis, MO 63108, USA.,Department of Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, Building A6, 62500 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Lenka Mikalová
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, Building A6, 62500 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - George M Weinstock
- The Genome Institute, Washington University in St Louis, 4444 Forest Park Avenue, St Louis, MO 63108, USA
| | - David Šmajs
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, Building A6, 62500 Brno, Czech Republic
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