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Putative mutations associated with tetracycline resistance detected in Treponema spp.: an analysis of 4,355 Spirochaetales genomes Open Access

Abstract

The resurgence of syphilis has necessitated novel prophylactic strategies, such as the use of doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis. However, the potential for increased doxycycline use to select for tetracycline resistance represents significant challenges in managing this sexually transmitted infection. This study aims to identify chromosomal mutations associated with tetracycline resistance in Spirochaetales to inform molecular surveillance tools. Whole-genome sequences (WGSs) from the Spirochaetales order, including 4,355 genomes, were analysed for the presence of mutations in 16S rRNA and non-synonymous mutations in the rpsC and rpsJ genes. The study utilized WGS from GenBank® and sequence data from the PubMLST Treponema pallidum isolate collection. Genetic resistance to tetracycline was detected using a combination of blastn searches and gene–gene analysis. A transition mutation TGA to TGG at positions 965–967 in the 16S rRNA gene was detected in 5.6% of Treponema spp. and 4.0% of Spirochaeta spp. genomes. The rpsJ gene exhibited a V57G aa substitution across a significant subset of Treponema spp. (n=14) and Spirochaeta spp. (n=1). Notably, the V57K substitution was present in Spirochaeta spp. (n=17) and Treponema spp. (n=15). The rpsC gene had the H178Q mutation and was found to be present in the Spirochaetales bacterium (n=4). The identification of putative mutations associated with tetracycline resistance in Spirochaetales provides a foundation for the development of rapid molecular tests. This study underscores the complexity of antibiotic resistance mechanisms and the critical importance of surveillance of genetic resistance determinants in the era of antibiotic prophylaxis for sexually transmitted infection management.

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Funding
This study was supported by the:
  • SOFI 2021 (Award "PReventing the Emergence of untreatable STIs via radical Prevention" (PRESTIP))
    • Principal Award Recipient: ChrisKenyon
© 2025 The Authors
  • This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License.
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Putative mutations associated with tetracycline resistance detected in Treponema spp.: an analysis of 4,355 Spirochaetales genomes
Access Microbiology 7, 000963.v4 (2025); https://doi.org/10.1099/acmi.0.000963.v4
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