The brachyspira hyodysenteriae ftnA gene : DNA vaccination and real-time PCR quantification of bacteria in a mouse model of disease

The nucleotide sequence of the <i>Brachyspira hyodysenteriae ftnA</i> gene, encoding a putative ferritin protein (FtnA), was determined. Analysis of the sequence predicted that this gene encoded a protein of 180 amino acids. RT-PCR and Western blot showed that the <i>ftnA</i> gene was expressed in <i>B.</i> <i>hyodysenteriae</i>, and evidence suggests that FtnA stores iron rather than haem. ftnA was delivered as DNA and recombinant protein vaccines in a mouse model of <i>B. hyodysenteriae</i> infection. Vaccine efficacy was monitored by caecal pathology and quantification of <i>B. hyodysenteriae</i> numbers in the caeca of infected mice by real-time PCR.<br />