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Frequent interspecific genetic exchange between commensal Neisseriae and Neisseria meningitidis

B Linz1, M Schenker, P Zhu

  • 1Max-Planck-Institut für molekulare Genetik, Ihnestrasse 73, 14195 Berlin, Germany.

Molecular Microbiology
|June 9, 2000
PubMed

Insights

Genetic exchange in Neisseria meningitidis, particularly the transfer of transferrin binding protein B (tbpB) genes, is frequent, even between species. This high recombination rate complicates the development of effective vaccines against meningococcal disease.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Genetics
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Neisseria meningitidis is a significant human pathogen.
  • Serogroup A subgroup IV-1 strains are prevalent in The Gambia, West Africa.
  • Understanding genetic variation is crucial for disease control and vaccine development.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate natural sequence variation in Neisseria meningitidis serogroup A subgroup IV-1.
  • To analyze DNA import frequencies and identify sources of genetic variation.
  • To explore the implications of genetic exchange for vaccine efficacy.

Main Methods:

  • Sequencing of four linked genes (tbpB, OpaA, and two housekeeping genes) in 98 N. meningitidis strains.
  • Analysis of tbpB sequences from other Neisseria species.
  • Comparative analysis of genetic exchange events.

Main Results:

  • Seventeen distinct foreign tbpB alleles were imported into N. meningitidis strains, driven by immune selection.
  • Imported DNA fragments averaged 5 kb, leading to co-import of linked genes.
  • Evidence of interspecific genetic exchange was found between N. meningitidis, N. lactamica, and other Neisseria spp.
  • A shared tbpB gene pool exists across these Neisseria species.

Conclusions:

  • Recombination occurs more frequently between related Neisseria species than within N. meningitidis itself.
  • The high rate of genetic exchange, including horizontal gene transfer, poses challenges for developing broadly effective vaccines against meningococcal disease.
  • Immune selection plays a significant role in driving the import of specific genes like tbpB.

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