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Graphical Abstract

 Graphical Abstract 

We describe a new lineage of lymphogranuloma venereum identified in Argentina, carrying -genotype L4. We also present further diversification of the globally circulating L2b lineage.

 

 

Abstract

Whole-genome analysis has provided insights into the evolution of and, recently, into circulating strains that cause lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV). A large LGV outbreak of a new -genotype, L2b, was first reported in Europe in the early 2000s, primarily affecting men who have sex with men (MSM), and then expanded globally. More recent work shows that this outbreak is diversifying into variants of described -genotypes, with the same L2b genomic backbone. This study extends the investigation of LGV cases to Argentina and Finland. In 2017, an LGV outbreak was described in Argentina characterized by distinct genomic features shown by both -genotyping and Multi-Locus Sequence Typing (MLST) analysis. We have obtained whole-genome sequences from cultured isolates and clinical samples via SureSelect (Agilent) target enrichment. Based on and phylogenetic analyses, we describe further diversity within the -genotype L2b clade, illustrating the transmission dynamics in Argentina and Finland. A key finding is that of a novel clade of Argentinian samples, characterized by a proposed new -genotype L4. Additionally, we present the genome sequence of a non-LGV strain associated with anorectal proctitis. These findings contribute to the investigation of LGV evolution, particularly with the presence of the novel L4 lineage, and provide insights into genomic diversity and transmission dynamics of .

Funding
This study was supported by the:
  • Universidad de Buenos Aires (Award UBACYT 20020190100357BA)
    • Principal Award Recipient: MarceloRodríguez Fermepin
  • Universidad de Buenos Aires (Award UBACYT 20020150100223BA)
    • Principal Award Recipient: MarceloRodríguez Fermepin
  • Gottfried und Julia Bangerter-Rhyner-Stiftung
    • Principal Award Recipient: HelenaMB Seth-Smith
  • This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License.
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/content/journal/mgen/10.1099/mgen.0.001350
2025-02-13
2025-12-10

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