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Detecting the Lyme Disease Spirochete, Borrelia Burgdorferi, in Ticks Using Nested PCR
Published on: February 4, 2018
Development of a sequence-based in silico OspA typing method for Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato
Jonathan T Lee1, Zhenghui Li1, Lorna D Nunez1
1Vaccine Research and Development, Pfizer, Inc., Pearl River, NY, 10965, USA.
Abstract:
Lyme disease (LD), caused by spirochete bacteria of the genus Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, remains the most common vector-borne disease in the northern hemisphere. Borrelia outer surface protein A (OspA) is an integral surface protein expressed during the tick cycle, and a validated vaccine target. There are at least 20 recognized Borrelia genospecies, that vary in OspA serotype. This study presents a new in silico sequence-based method for OspA typing using next-generation sequence data. Using a compiled database of over 400 Borrelia genomes encompassing the 4 most common disease-causing genospecies, we characterized OspA diversity in a manner that can accommodate existing and new OspA types and then defined boundaries for classification and assignment of OspA types based on the sequence similarity. To accommodate potential novel OspA types, we have developed a new nomenclature: OspA in silico type (IST). Beyond the ISTs that corresponded to existing OspA serotypes 1-8, we identified nine additional ISTs that cover new OspA variants in B. bavariensis (IST9-10), B. garinii (IST11-12), and other Borrelia genospecies (IST13-17). The IST typing scheme and associated OspA variants are available as part of the PubMLST Borrelia spp. database. Compared to traditional OspA serotyping methods, this new computational pipeline provides a more comprehensive and broadly applicable approach for characterization of OspA type and Borrelia genospecies to support vaccine development.
Insights
A new computational method accurately types Borrelia outer surface protein A (OspA) variants using genomic data. This OspA in silico type (IST) scheme identifies novel types, aiding Lyme disease vaccine development.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Genomics
- Vaccine Development
Background:
- Lyme disease (LD) is a common tick-borne illness caused by Borrelia bacteria.
- Borrelia outer surface protein A (OspA) is a key target for LD vaccines.
- Existing OspA typing methods struggle with the diversity of Borrelia genospecies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel in silico method for OspA typing using next-generation sequence data.
- To characterize OspA diversity across Borrelia genospecies and establish classification boundaries.
- To introduce a new nomenclature for OspA types to accommodate novel variants.
Main Methods:
- Compiled a database of over 400 Borrelia genomes.
- Developed a sequence-based computational pipeline for OspA typing.
- Defined classification boundaries based on sequence similarity and introduced OspA in silico type (IST) nomenclature.
Main Results:
- The IST scheme successfully characterized OspA diversity, accommodating existing serotypes (1-8).
- Identified nine new ISTs (IST9-17) representing novel OspA variants in B. bavariensis, B. garinii, and other species.
- The IST typing scheme is integrated into the PubMLST Borrelia spp. database.
Conclusions:
- The new in silico OspA typing method offers a comprehensive and broadly applicable approach.
- This computational pipeline enhances characterization of OspA types and Borrelia genospecies.
- The IST scheme supports ongoing Lyme disease vaccine development efforts.
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