Molecular and immunological analyses of the Borrelia turicatae Bdr proteinfamily

Here, we describe the molecular and immunological characterization of the b dr gene family of Borrelia turicatae, a relapsing-fever spirochete. Nine bd r alleles belonging to two different subfamilies were sequenced and localiz ed to linear plasmids. Anti-Bdr antiserum was generated and used to analyze Bdr expression in pre- and postinfection isogenic populations. The analyse s presented here provide a detailed characterization of the Bdr proteins in a relapsing-fever spirochete species, enhancing our understanding of these proteins at the genus-wide level.