Detection of a 640-bp deletion in the Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans leukotoxin promoter region in isolates from an adolescent of Ethiopian origin

Abstract

The expression of the leukotoxin of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans is regulated by the leukotoxin promoter. A 530-bp deletion or an 886-bp insertion sequence (IS) element in this region has earlier been described in highly leukotoxic isolates. Here, we report on highly leukotoxic isolate with a 640-bp deletion, which was detected in an adolescent of Ethiopian origin.

Keywords

• leukotoxicity
• deletion
• JP2
• aggressive periodontitis
• geographic spreading
• Africa