Differential expression of the p44 gene family in the agent of human granulocytic ehrlichiosis

JW IJdo, C Wu, SR Telford III, E Fikrig - Infection and immunity, 2002 - Am Soc Microbiol
JW IJdo, C Wu, SR Telford III, E Fikrig
Infection and immunity, 2002Am Soc Microbiol
Using reverse transcription-PCR targeting of the p44 genes of the agent of human
granulocytic ehrlichiosis (HGE) with primers flanking the hypervariable region, we show
differential expression in a murine model of HGE infection and during tick transmission. The
p44 genes were differentially expressed in salivary glands of infected nymphal ticks
removed during transmission feeding but not in nonfeeding infected ticks. Similarly, the p44
genes were differentially expressed in infected C3H mice, in SCID mice, and in cultured …
Abstract
Using reverse transcription-PCR targeting of the p44 genes of the agent of human granulocytic ehrlichiosis (HGE) with primers flanking the hypervariable region, we show differential expression in a murine model of HGE infection and during tick transmission. The p44 genes were differentially expressed in salivary glands of infected nymphal ticks removed during transmission feeding but not in nonfeeding infected ticks. Similarly, the p44 genes were differentially expressed in infected C3H mice, in SCID mice, and in cultured HGE bacteria. Thus, differential p44 expression exists in vivo and in vitro and could provide a basis for antigenic variation.
American Society for Microbiology