Genetic analysis of the outer surface protein C gene of Lyme disease spirochaetes (Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato) isolated from rodents in Taiwan

Abstract

The outer surface protein C gene (ospC) of Lyme disease spirochaetes (Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato) was analysed for the first time in Taiwan. The genetic identities of these Taiwan isolates (TWKM1-7) were determined by restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis and sequence similarities of the PCR-amplified ospC gene amplicons. After cleavage by nuclease Dra I, differential fragment patterns of PCRamplified ospC DNA in relation to different genospecies of Lyme disease spirochaetes were observed and all of these Taiwan isolates were genetically aff iliated to the genospecies of B. burgdorferi sensu stricto. The phylogenetic analysis on the sequence similarity of these Taiwan isolates revealed a highly homogeneous genotype, ranging from 99.3% to 100%, within the genospecies of B. burgdorferi sensu stricto and was distinguished from other genospecies of Borrelia isolates. The sequence similarity analysis also revealed the high sequence variability of the ospC gene among Borrelia strains that belong to the same genospecies but were isolated from different biological and geographical sources. Thus, these results provide the first investigation on the genetic identity of the ospC gene of these Taiwan isolates and show that these Taiwan isolates were closely related genetically to the genospecies of B. burgdorferi sensu stricto.

Borrelia burgdorferi adhesins identified using in vivo phage display

“…A. The selected sequence aligned to two different sequences previously deposited in the database for B. burgdorferi strain N40 (Shih and Chao, 2002; Bunikis et al ., 2004), and to the B31 sequence (http://cmr.tigr.org/tigr-scripts/CMR/GenomePage.cgi?org=gbb) (Fraser et al ., 1997; Casjens et al ., 2000). ‘fd’ denotes the sequence common to our selected clones.…”

Acute neuroborreliosis with involvement of the central nervous system

“…In Taiwan, Borrelia spirochetes have been cultured from several species of rodents, revealing seven isolates, designated TWKM 1-7 [5,15]. These isolates are morphologically similar as well as closely serologically related to the causative agent of human Lyme disease, B. burgdorferi sensu lato [5,15,16]. Recently, Borrelia spirochetes have been cultured from human skin biopsy specimens in Taiwan [20].…”

“…Recently, Borrelia spirochetes have been cultured from human skin biopsy specimens in Taiwan [20]. The Borrelia isolates have a highly homogeneous genotype within the genospecies of B. burgdorferi sensu stricto that distinguishes them from other genospecies of Borrelia isolates [16].…”

“…Preparation of spirochetal proteins for gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) was also performed according to previously described methods [5,15,16]. The molecular weight of the major spirochetal protein band was calculated by comparing its electrophoretic mobility with that of molecular mass standards (14-94 kDa marker, Pharmacia Biotech, Uppsala, Sweden).…”

“…Recently, Borrelia spirochetes belonging to the genospecies of B. burgdorferi sensu stricto were isolated from ear tissue taken from trapped rodents in the Taiwan area [5,15,16]. Although a few cases of LB presenting with dermatologic manifestations have been reported in Taiwan [17,18], NB has never been reported in Taiwan.…”