Phase Variation and Microevolution in Bordetella pertussis
Author Information
Author(s): Emily B. Gogol, Craig A. Cummings, Ryan C. Burns, David A. Relman
Primary Institution: Stanford University School of Medicine
Hypothesis
Can phase variation in Bordetella pertussis help it adapt to host immune responses?
Conclusion
Bordetella pertussis exhibits common allelic polymorphism at homopolymeric tracts, suggesting phase variability is a key mechanism for immune evasion and adaptation.
Supporting Evidence
- The genomes of B. pertussis and related species were screened for homopolymeric tracts.
- 69 homopolymeric tracts were identified, with 74% polymorphic among the species.
- Six out of nine loci showed polymorphism in the B. pertussis strains tested.
Takeaway
Bordetella pertussis can change its DNA in small ways to escape the immune system, which helps it survive and cause whooping cough.
Methodology
The study used PCR/LDR to genotype homopolymeric tracts in 90 diverse B. pertussis strains.
Limitations
The study is limited by the genetic diversity of B. pertussis, which is highly clonal.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.0137
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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