Dissecting the molecular diversity and commonality of bovine and human treponemes identifies key survival and adhesion mechanisms

Here, we report the first complete genomes of three cultivable treponeme species from bovine digital dermatitis (DD) skin lesions, two comparative human treponemes, considered indistinguishable DD species, and a gastrointestinal (GI) isolate. Key genomic differences between treponemes implicate microbial mechanisms that enhance knowledge how DD, severe disease ruminants, has emerged into prolific, worldwide disease. Bovine have additional oxidative stress genes compared to nearest human-isolated relatives, suggesting better tolerance, potentially explaining strains can colonize surfaces. Comparison both GI as well pathogenic non-pathogenic saprophyte Treponema phagedenis indicates encoding five-enzyme biosynthetic pathway for production 2,3-diacetamido-2,3-dideoxy-d-mannuronic acid, rare di- N -acetylated mannuronic acid sugar, important pathogenesis. T . further differed by having unique genetic clusters including components type IV secretion system phosphate utilisation phoU , gene associated with osmotic survival. Proteomic analyses confirmed derived exhibits expression PhoU but not putative system, whilst novel was expressed in near entirety across treponemes. Analysis response water identified difference exhibiting enhanced This mechanism could enable selective advantage, allowing environmental persistence transmission Finally, investigated outer membrane protein (OMP) ortholog families several multi-specific adhesins capable binding extra cellular matrix (ECM) components. One pathogen specific adhesin family showed considerable serodiagnostic potential medium representative demonstrating specificity (91.6%). work shed light on host adaptation candidate molecules future diagnostics, vaccination therapeutic intervention.