Encoding gene for the outer membrane lipoprotein LipL32 as a genetic target for developing leptospira genotyping schemes

Based on the nucleotide sequence of the gene that encodes the LipL32 lipoprotein of the outer membrane of leptospiras, two primer pairs were designed, i.e., an outer one that flanks a fragment of 677 bp and an inner one flanking a 204-bp fragment. The distribution of the LipL32 gene among 79 strains of representatives of the Leptospiraceae family (77 of genus Leptospira, 1 of Leptonema and 1 of Turneria), using PCR-based testing systems, was studied using PCR-based testing systems. Both amplicons of predicted sizes were revealed in pathogenic representatives of Leptospira and L. interrogans (except L. inadai) but were absent from L. biflexa saprophytes. Only a fragment of 204 bp was found in representatives of L. inadai. Hence, the obtained results point indicate the possibility of differentiation between of pathogenic and saprophytic leptospiras according to the presence of this gene. The gene that encodes the lipoprotein of the LipL32 of the outer membrane suits all requirements for a genetic target for working out schemes of leptospiras genotyping (the distribution in a huge number of representatives of a given taxon and the presence of conservative and variable sites in its nucleotide sequence). © 2008 Allerton Press, Inc.