Gene Loss in Bordetella pertussis Strains in Finland
Author Information
Author(s): Heikkinen Eriikka, Kallonen Teemu, Saarinen Lilli, Sara Rolf, King Audrey J., Mooi Frits R., Soini Juhani T., Mertsola Jussi, He Qiushui
Primary Institution: Pertussis Reference Laboratory, National Public Health Institute, Turku, Finland
Hypothesis
How has the genome of Bordetella pertussis evolved in Finnish strains over 50 years of vaccination?
Conclusion
Finnish B. pertussis strains have progressively lost genes over 50 years, indicating ongoing evolution and adaptation to immunized populations.
Supporting Evidence
- Finnish B. pertussis strains lost between 7 to 49 genes over 50 years.
- One third of the lost genes were related to ion transport and metabolism.
- All four loci of lost genes were flanked by the insertion sequence element IS481.
- Strains isolated from 1999 to 2004 showed the largest degree of gene loss.
Takeaway
The study found that Bordetella pertussis, the bacteria that causes whooping cough, has been losing genes over time, which may help it survive in vaccinated people.
Methodology
An oligonucleotide-based microarray was developed to analyze the genomes of 20 B. pertussis isolates from Finland over 50 years.
Limitations
The study only analyzed strains from Finland and may not represent global trends in B. pertussis evolution.
Participant Demographics
All strains were isolated from children younger than 12 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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