Evolution of Yersinia pestis in North America
Author Information
Author(s): Auerbach Raymond K., Tuanyok Apichai, Probert William S., Kenefic Leo, Vogler Amy J., Bruce David C., Munk Christine, Brettin Thomas S., Eppinger Mark, Ravel Jacques, Wagner David M., Keim Paul
Primary Institution: Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Arizona University
Hypothesis
Are North American Yersinia pestis strains undergoing rapid evolutionary changes?
Conclusion
North American Yersinia pestis strains may be evolving rapidly, with high rates of genetic inversion fixation contributing to unexpected diversity.
Supporting Evidence
- The study identified seven regions of genetic difference between two Y. pestis strains.
- High rates of inversion fixation were suggested based on the genetic analysis.
- The findings indicate a rapid evolution of Y. pestis in North America.
Takeaway
Scientists studied a germ that causes plague and found it is changing quickly in North America, which is surprising because it hasn't been here long.
Methodology
The study involved generating a genome sequence of Y. pestis CA88 and comparing it with another strain, CO92, to identify genetic differences.
Limitations
The study is limited by the short time span since Y. pestis was introduced to North America and the need for more complete genome sequences from other strains.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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