Leptospira sanjuanensis sp. nov., a pathogenic species of the genus Leptospira isolated from soil in Puerto Rico

Authors: FERNANDES, LUIS - Butantan Institute; STONE, NATHAN - Northern Arizona University; ROE, CHANDLER - Northern Arizona University; GORIS, MARGA - University Medical Center Amsterdam; VAN DER LINDEN, HANS - University Medical Center Amsterdam; SAHL, JASON - Northern Arizona University; WAGNER, DAVID - Northern Arizona University; Nally, Jarlath

Submitted to: International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 7/28/2022
Publication Date: 10/19/2022
Citation: Fernandes, L.G., Stone, N.E., Roe, C.C., Goris, M.G., Van Der Linden, H., Sahl, J.W., Wagner, D.E., Nally, J.E. 2022. Leptospira sanjuanensis sp. nov., a pathogenic species of the genus Leptospira isolated from soil in Puerto Rico. International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology. 72(10). eArticle 5560. https://doi.org/10.1099/ijsem.0.005560.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1099/ijsem.0.005560

Interpretive Summary: Leptospirosis is a global zoonotic disease of animals and humans that is caused by pathogenic species of Leptospira. Here, we describe the isolation and characterization of a new pathogenic species of Leptospira from soil samples in Puerto Rico, which was designated L. sanjuanensis. This new species also appears to be a new serovar of Leptospira, which is not currently detected by the currently available serology diagnostic assays.

Technical Abstract: Two spirochetes (designated strains LGVF01 and LGVF02) were isolated from soil samples in San Juan, Puerto Rico in HAN media after selection using a combination of ELISA, agar plating, and colony screening by Fluorescent Antibody Testing (FAT) and PCR for lipL32 and secY. Isolates were helix-shaped, aerobic, fast-growing, and highly motile. Genome sequence analysis indicated that both strains should be classified as members of a novel species within the pathogenic (P1) clade of the genus Leptospira. The average nucleotide identity between the two strains was 99.2%, but below 93.2% when compared to any previously described leptospiral species. Serotyping of strain LGVF02 indicates that it does not belong within any serogroup of Leptospira suggesting it also represents a new serovar. Collectively, strains LGVF01 and LGVF02 represent a new species of pathogenic leptospires for which the name Leptospira sanjuanensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is LGVF02.