MOLECULAR EPIDEMIOLOGY OF TREPONEMA PALLIDUM IN BORDER REGION OF RUSSIAN FEDERATION (TUVA REPUBLIC)

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Epidemiology
• Genetics

Background:

• Syphilis remains a global health concern, caused by Treponema pallidum subsp. pallidum.
• Understanding the genetic diversity and molecular epidemiology of T. pallidum is crucial for effective control strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize the molecular subtypes of T. pallidum subsp. pallidum strains from the Tuva Republic.
• To compare the molecular epidemiology of syphilis in Tuva with other regions.

Main Methods:

• Genotyping of 111 T. pallidum subsp. pallidum strains using arp, tpr (E, G, J), and tp0548 genes.
• Analysis of genetic variants and subtype distribution.

Main Results:

• Seven T. pallidum subtypes were identified, with subtype 14 d/f being predominant (90.1%).
• Minor subtypes (14 b/f, 14 c/f, 14 d/g, 14 i/f) and previously described Chinese types (4 d/f, 9 d/f) were also detected.
• Novel co-detection of arp gene variants 9 and 14 in clinical specimens.

Conclusions:

• The molecular epidemiology of syphilis in Tuva Republic shows similarities to Russia but distinct patterns compared to China and Western Europe.
• The findings provide insights into the genetic landscape of T. pallidum in this region and inform public health interventions.