Leptospira interrogans strain:KR40 Genome sequencing

Comparative genomics of Leptospira pathogens has allowed the identification genes unique to either Leptospira interrogans or Leptospira borgpetersenii, both species identified as pathogenic. These genes potentially encodes virulence-associated proteins. Genes of unknown function are over-represented in this subset of pathogen-specific genes. This finding, together with the absence of virulence factor homologues among the proteins of known function, suggests that Leptospira possess unique virulence mechanisms. In the light of this knowledge cross-species genomic comparison of Leptospira infectious species, with the goal of identifying genes related to disease pathogenesis. The main aim of the project is to improve our understanding of Leptospira virulence through identification of genes involved in pathogen-host interactions both in natural reservoir and accidental hosts.