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Diversification of Orientia tsutsugamushi genotypes by intragenic recombination and their potential expansion in endemic areas.


ABSTRACT:

Background

Scrub typhus is a mite-borne febrile disease caused by O. tsutsugamushi infection. Recently, emergence of scrub typhus has attracted considerable attention in several endemic countries in Asia and the western Pacific. In addition, the antigenic diversity of the intracellular pathogen has been a serious obstacle for developing effective diagnostics and vaccine.

Methodology/principal findings

To understand the evolutionary pathway of genotypic diversification of O. tsutsugamushi and the environmental factors associated with the epidemiological features of scrub typhus, we analyzed sequence data, including spatiotemporal information, of the tsa56 gene encoding a major outer membrane protein responsible for antigenic variation. A total of 324 tsa56 sequences covering more than 85% of its open reading frame were analyzed and classified into 17 genotypes based on phylogenetic relationship. Extensive sequence analysis of tsa56 genes using diverse informatics tools revealed multiple intragenic recombination events, as well as a substantially higher mutation rate than other house-keeping genes. This suggests that genetic diversification occurred via frequent point mutations and subsequent genetic recombination. Interestingly, more diverse bacterial genotypes and dominant vector species prevail in Taiwan compared to other endemic regions. Furthermore, the co-presence of identical and sub-identical clones of tsa56 gene in geographically distant areas implies potential spread of O. tsutsugamushi genotypes.

Conclusions/significance

Fluctuation and diversification of vector species harboring O. tsutsugamushi in local endemic areas may facilitate genetic recombination among diverse genotypes. Therefore, careful monitoring of dominant vector species, as well as the prevalence of O. tsutsugamushi genotypes may be advisable to enable proper anticipation of epidemiological changes of scrub typhus.

SUBMITTER: Kim G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5348041 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Publications

Diversification of Orientia tsutsugamushi genotypes by intragenic recombination and their potential expansion in endemic areas.

Kim Gwanghun G   Ha Na-Young NY   Min Chan-Ki CK   Kim Hong-Il HI   Yen Nguyen Thi Hai NT   Lee Keun-Hwa KH   Oh Inbo I   Kang Jae-Seung JS   Choi Myung-Sik MS   Kim Ik-Sang IS   Cho Nam-Hyuk NH  

PLoS neglected tropical diseases 20170301 3


<h4>Background</h4>Scrub typhus is a mite-borne febrile disease caused by O. tsutsugamushi infection. Recently, emergence of scrub typhus has attracted considerable attention in several endemic countries in Asia and the western Pacific. In addition, the antigenic diversity of the intracellular pathogen has been a serious obstacle for developing effective diagnostics and vaccine.<h4>Methodology/principal findings</h4>To understand the evolutionary pathway of genotypic diversification of O. tsutsu  ...[more]

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