Whole-genome sequencing of Leptospira interrogans from southern Brazil: genetic features of a highly virulent strain

• Published in: Memórias do Instituto Oswaldo Cruz Vol. 113; no. 2
• Main Authors: Jorge, Sérgio, Kremer, Frederico Schmitt, Oliveira, Natasha Rodrigues de, Oliveira Sanches Valerio Navarro, Gabrielle de, Guimarães, Amanda Munari, Sanchez, Christian Domingues, Santos Woloski, Rafael Danelon dos, Ridieri, Karine Forster, Campos, Vinícius Farias, Silva Pinto, Luciano da, Dellagostin, Odir Antônio
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz 20-11-2021
• Subjects: bioinformatics; genomics; Leptospira interrogans; leptospirosis; next-generation sequencing; phylogenetic analysis; whole-genome sequencing; zoonosis
• ISSN: 1678-8060

BACKGROUND Leptospirosis is the most widespread zoonotic disease. It is
caused by infection with pathogenic Leptospira species, of which over
300 serovars have been described. The accurate identification of the
causative Leptospira spp. is required to ascertain the pathogenic
status of the local isolates. OBJECTIVES This study aimed to obtain the
complete genome sequence of a virulent Leptospira interrogans strain
isolated from southern Brazil and to describe its genetic features.
METHODS The whole genome was sequenced by next-generation sequencing
(Ion Torrent). The genome was assembled, scaffolded, annotated, and
manually reviewed. Mutations were identified based on a variant calling
analysis using the genome of L. interrogans strain Fiocruz L1-130 as a
reference. FINDINGS The entire genome had an average GC content of 35%.
The variant calling analysis identified 119 single nucleotide
polymorphisms (SNPs), from which 30 led to a missense mutation. The
structural analyses identified potential evidence of genomic
inversions, translocations, and deletions in both the chromosomes. MAIN
CONCLUSIONS The genome properties provide comprehensive information
about the local isolates of Leptospira spp., and thereby, could
facilitate the identification of new targets for the development of
diagnostic kits and vaccines.