Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Phylogenetic analysis of the 16S ribosomal gene initial region is used to identify Leptospira isolates at the species level from clinical samples. Unfortunately, this method cannot differentiate between some intermediates and saprophytic species. METHODS: We used comparative genomic analysis between 35 Leptospira species to find new molecular targets for Leptospira species identification. RESULTS: We proposed the use of the rpoC gene, encoding the DNA-directed RNA polymerase β-subunit, for identifying 35 Leptospira species. CONCLUSIONS: The rpoC gene can be a molecular target to identify the main species of the Leptospira genus directly from clinical samples.
Highlights
Phylogenetic analysis of the 16S ribosomal gene initial region is used to identify Leptospira isolates at the species level from clinical samples
We proposed the use of the rpoC gene, encoding the DNA-directed RNA polymerase β-subunit, for identifying 35 Leptospira species
A manual evaluation of orthologous proteins conserved in the genus was made with the following inclusion parameters for the proteins: (1) the protein must be present in all species, (2) the gene must have conserved regions for genus-specific primer design, and (3) the genetic polymorphisms should allow for the differentiation of the 35 Leptospira species
Summary
Abstract Introduction: Phylogenetic analysis of the 16S ribosomal gene initial region is used to identify Leptospira isolates at the species level from clinical samples. Phylogenetic analysis of the partial 16S ribosomal gene resulted in the correct separation of the Leptospira genus from the genetically closest genus (Leptonema illini), an adequate separation of the pathogenic, intermediate, and saprophytic subgroups, and the ability to differentiate 20/35 species currently described[10] with branch supports between 16% and 100%.
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