Culture-Independent Detection and Identification of Serovars.

Pathogenic , the causative agents of leptospirosis, comprise >200 serotypes (called serovars). Most have a restricted reservoir-host range, and some, e.g.

Pathogenic Evolved a Unique Gene Family Comprised of Ricin B-Like Lectin Domain-Containing Cytotoxins.

Leptospirosis is a globally important neglected zoonotic disease. Previous data suggest that a family of virulence-modifying (VM) proteins (PF07598) is a distinctive feature of group I pathogenic that evolved as important virulence determinants. Here, we show that one such VM protein, LA3490 (also known as Q8F0K3), is expressed by serovar Lai, as a secreted genotoxin that is potently cytotoxic to human cells.