Natural selection and recombination at host-interacting lipoprotein loci drive genome diversification of Lyme disease and related bacteria

https://journals.asm.org/doi/10.1128/mbio.01749-24?utm_campaign=+61806786&utm_content=&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery&utm_term= A global genetic sequencing investigation of Lyme disease and related bacteria could propel the field into new research, according to a new study published in mBio from NIAID-funded scientists. Six academic and private sector laboratories participated in the project, led by City University of New York. The groups examined the four species of Borrelia bacteria known to cause disease in people as well as the 19 that don’t or rarely cause disease – species that are poorly understood. Knowing the ecology, diversity and history of the bacteria could help identify therapeutic approaches and predict future disease risks. For example, the researchers are trying to determine whether bacteria not known to cause human disease could evolve into public health risks. Among their findings: Borrelia comprise two major subgroups – one with origins in North America and one with origins in Eurasia – and have “hotspots” where DNA can transfer between species. The group has developed a web-based program (BorreliaBase.org) to make information available to colleagues.