Interest of partial 16S rDNA gene sequences to resolve heterogeneities between Leptospira collections: application to L-meyeri

This paper describes the advantage of using the first 330 bp (positions 46 to 375, Escherichia coli numbering) of the 16S rDNA gene for comparison of Leptospira isolates. Phylogenetic analysis conducted from the whole 16S rDN A sequences available in databanks as well as that conducted from the parti al sequences yielded quite similar results, in accordance with data inferre d from previous DNA-DNA relatedness studies. This tool was used for the com parison of Leptospira strains from different reference collections. Consist ent results were obtained from the analysis of the polymorphism generated b y pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. The study focused on different serovars of L. meyeri species, the classification of which has been controversial. The results revealed large collection heterogeneities, and suggest that the classification of the L. meyeri species should be revised. (C) 2000 Editio ns scientifiques et medicales Elsevier SAS.