Leptospira: the dawn of the molecular genetics era for an emerging zoonotic pathogen

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Abstract
Leptospira spp. belong to the bacterial phylum Spirochaetes, an evolutionarily and structurally unique group of bacteria. The genus Leptospira is composed of saprophytic and pathogenic species that are all fastidious and slow-growing bacteria. Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease with a worldwide distribution. More than half a million cases are reported annually. Acute disease and chronic colonization can be reproduced in experimental animal models. Determination and comparison of the genome sequences of saprophytic and pathogenic strains could shed light on the virulence determinants involved in disease. Compared to other bacterial species, work to gather genetic data for leptospires and to elucidate the molecular basis of the pathogenesis of these organisms is in its infancy. Further development of genetic tools should allow a better understanding of the virulence and survival mechanisms that are used by these bacteria to ensure their persistence in different ecological niches.