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Published on: November 25, 2022
Plasmid profile analysis of Portuguese Borrelia lusitaniae strains
Liliana Vitorino1, Gabriele Margos, Líbia Zé-Zé
1Universidade de Lisboa, Faculdade de Ciências, Centro de Genética e Biologia Molecular and Instituto de Ciência Aplicada e Tecnologia, Lisboa, Portugal.
Abstract:
Plasmid profiles of 2 Portuguese Borrelia lusitaniae strains, one isolated from a human patient and the other one from an Ixodes ricinus tick, were obtained by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis to evaluate the plasmid diversity in each strain. Overall, a maximum of 6 plasmids were detected that ranged from 19 kb to 76 kb, revealing completely different plasmid profiles from those previously described for other genospecies of B. burgdorferi sensu lato, the causative agents of Lyme borreliosis. The plasmid location of the ospA gene was investigated by hybridization, allowing its allocation to the plasmid of 70 kb instead of the 54 kb linear plasmid described for B. burgdorferi sensu stricto strains.
Insights
This study analyzed plasmid diversity in Borrelia lusitaniae strains from Portugal. Findings reveal unique plasmid profiles, differing from other Lyme borreliosis agents.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Genetics
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Borrelia lusitaniae is a genospecies within the Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato complex, implicated in Lyme borreliosis.
- Understanding plasmid diversity is crucial for characterizing Borrelia strains and their pathogenic potential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the plasmid profiles of two Portuguese Borrelia lusitaniae strains.
- To compare these profiles with those of other Borrelia genospecies.
- To investigate the plasmid location of the ospA gene.
Main Methods:
- Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) was used to analyze plasmid DNA.
- Hybridization techniques were employed to locate specific genes on plasmids.
Main Results:
- Two Borrelia lusitaniae strains exhibited distinct plasmid profiles, with up to 6 plasmids ranging from 19 kb to 76 kb.
- These profiles significantly differed from those reported for other Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato genospecies.
- The ospA gene was localized to a 70 kb plasmid, unlike the 54 kb linear plasmid found in Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto.
Conclusions:
- Borrelia lusitaniae strains possess unique plasmid compositions.
- The genetic makeup of Borrelia lusitaniae, particularly ospA gene location, distinguishes it from other Lyme disease-causing bacteria.
