Draft genome sequence of the sexually transmitted pathogen Trichomonas vaginalis.

We describe the genome sequence of the protist Trichomonas vaginalis, a sexually transmitted human pathogen. Repeats and transposable elements comprise about two-thirds of the approximately 160-megabase genome, reflecting a recent massive expansion of genetic material. This expansion, in conjunction with the shaping of metabolic pathways that likely transpired through lateral gene transfer from bacteria, and amplification of specific gene families implicated in pathogenesis and phagocytosis of host proteins may exemplify adaptations of the parasite during its transition to a urogenital environment.

Trichomonas vaginalis lipophosphoglycan mutants have reduced adherence and cytotoxicity to human ectocervical cells.

The extracellular human pathogen Trichomonas vaginalis is covered by a dense glycocalyx thought to play a role in host-parasite interactions. The main component of the glycocalyx is lipophosphoglycan (LPG), a polysaccharide anchored in the plasma membrane by inositol phosphoceramide. To study the role of LPG in trichomonads, we produced T.

Genetic and functional analysis of Haemophilus somnus high molecular weight-immunoglobulin binding proteins.

Haemophilus somnus immunoglobulin binding proteins (IgBPs) are virulence associated but only one (p76) has been genetically defined. We determined the nucleotide sequence of the 5'-flanking region of the p76 gene. This region had been identified as the coding region for a series of high molecular weight (HMW)-IgBPs.

Genetic manipulation of immunoglobulin binding proteins of Haemophilus somnus.

The relationship of the 76kDa immunoglobulin binding, surface antigen (p76) of Haemophilus somnus to the high molecular weight immunoglobulin binding proteins (HMW IgBPs) was investigated. The kanamycin resistance gene from pLS88 was used via homologous recombination with allelic exchange to replace a portion of the gene encoding IgBPs of H. somnus strain 8025.