Complete Genome Sequences of Bordetella pertussis Isolates with Novel Pertactin-Deficient Deletions

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Genomics
• Vaccinology

Background:

• The respiratory pathogen Bordetella pertussis causes whooping cough.
• Clinical isolates of Bordetella pertussis in the US are increasingly deficient in pertactin, a key component of acellular vaccines.
• This deficiency arises from various independent genetic mutations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the genetic basis of pertactin deficiency in recent Bordetella pertussis clinical isolates.
• To sequence and analyze the genomes of Bordetella pertussis isolates lacking pertactin.

Main Methods:

• Whole-genome sequencing of four Bordetella pertussis clinical isolates.
• Bioinformatic analysis to identify genetic variations, specifically deletions, responsible for pertactin deficiency.

Main Results:

• Complete genome sequences for four Bordetella pertussis isolates were determined.
• Novel deletions within the Bordetella pertussis genome were identified as the cause of pertactin deficiency in these isolates.

Conclusions:

• The findings elucidate novel genetic mechanisms leading to pertactin deficiency in Bordetella pertussis.
• Understanding these genomic alterations is crucial for monitoring vaccine effectiveness and pathogen evolution.