Comparative Genomic Analysis of Malaysian Leptospira interrogans Strains Isolated from Animal and Human Hosts. Leptospira interrogans

Leptospirosis is a globally important zoonoticdisease caused by spirochetes of the genus Leptospira, which includes pathogenic and saprophytic strains. These bacteria colonize the kidneys of reservoir animals and are excreted via urine into the environment. Transmission to humans occurs either directly from exposure to contaminated urine or infected tissues, or indirectly via contact with contaminated soil or water. In Malaysia, Leptospirosis is an important emerging disease. However, there is a lack of information about this bacterium in terms of disease transmission, pathogenicity and the genomic features of it. Therefore the overall objective is to determine the basic genomic structures of selected Leptospira spp isolated from human and animal hosts and to infer their biology via the Next General Sequencing Technology and appropriate bioinformatics analysis. Our previous studies showed that Leptospira spp are prevalent in the environment and rats and they are genetically distinct by PFGE. By performing comparative genomics of these strains from distinct sources, we hope to better understand their genomics, virulence potential and pathogenicity. Currently, rapid and accurate diagnosis is lacking and we hope that through the omics approach, we can elucidate the important factors for the development of accurate diagnostics. The data generated will help to reveal the mechanism of changes in bacterial lifestyles and to understand how this organism can survive and compete as part of adaptation to its preferred hosts.