1
|
Anggraini D, Siregar FM, Rosdiana D, Kemal RA, Yovi I, Triani ZD, Jasmin N, Dwijelita N, Webb JR, Mayo M, Kaestli M, Currie BJ. Epidemiology and genetic diversity of Burkholderia pseudomallei from Riau Province, Indonesia. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2024; 18:e0012195. [PMID: 38805481 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0012195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Melioidosis is a bacterial infection caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei, that is common in tropical and subtropical countries including Southeast Asia and Northern Australia. The magnitude of undiagnosed and untreated melioidosis across the country remains unclear. Given its proximity to regions with high infection rates, Riau Province on Sumatera Island is anticipated to have endemic melioidosis. This study reports retrospectively collected data on 68 culture-confirmed melioidosis cases from two hospitals in Riau Province between January 1, 2009, and December 31, 2021, with full clinical data available on 41 cases. We also describe whole genome sequencing and genotypic analysis of six isolates of B. pseudomallei. The mean age of the melioidosis patients was 49.1 (SD 11.5) years, 85% were male and the most common risk factor was diabetes mellitus (78%). Pulmonary infection was the most common presentation (39%), and overall mortality was 41%. Lung as a focal infection (aOR: 6.43; 95% CI: 1.13-36.59, p = 0.036) and bacteremia (aOR: 15.21; 95% CI: 2.59-89.31, p = 0.003) were significantly associated with death. Multilocus sequence typing analysis conducted on six B.pseudomallei genomes identified three sequence types (STs), namely novel ST1794 (n = 3), ST46 (n = 2), and ST289 (n = 1). A phylogenetic tree of Riau B. pseudomallei whole genome sequences with a global dataset of genomes clearly distinguished the genomes of B. pseudomallei in Indonesia from the ancestral Australian clade and classified them within the Asian clade. This study expands the known presence of B. pseudomallei within Indonesia and confirms that Indonesian B. pseudomallei are genetically linked to those in the rest of Southeast Asia. It is anticipated that melioidosis will be found in other locations across Indonesia as laboratory capacities improve and standardized protocols for detecting and confirming suspected cases of melioidosis are more widely implemented.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dewi Anggraini
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Riau, Pekanbaru, Indonesia
- Arifin Achmad General Hospital, Riau Province, Pekanbaru, Indonesia
- Eka Hospital Pekanbaru, Pekanbaru, Indonesia
| | - Fajri Marindra Siregar
- Arifin Achmad General Hospital, Riau Province, Pekanbaru, Indonesia
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Riau, Pekanbaru, Indonesia
| | - Dani Rosdiana
- Arifin Achmad General Hospital, Riau Province, Pekanbaru, Indonesia
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Riau, Pekanbaru, Indonesia
| | - Rahmat Azhari Kemal
- Arifin Achmad General Hospital, Riau Province, Pekanbaru, Indonesia
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Riau, Pekanbaru, Indonesia
| | - Indra Yovi
- Arifin Achmad General Hospital, Riau Province, Pekanbaru, Indonesia
- Eka Hospital Pekanbaru, Pekanbaru, Indonesia
- Department of Pulmonology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Riau, Pekanbaru, Indonesia
| | | | - Novira Jasmin
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Riau, Pekanbaru, Indonesia
| | - Norsila Dwijelita
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Riau, Pekanbaru, Indonesia
| | - Jessica R Webb
- Global and Tropical Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
- Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Mark Mayo
- Global and Tropical Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Mirjam Kaestli
- Global and Tropical Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Bart J Currie
- Global and Tropical Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Royal Darwin Hospital, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Meumann EM, Limmathurotsakul D, Dunachie SJ, Wiersinga WJ, Currie BJ. Burkholderia pseudomallei and melioidosis. Nat Rev Microbiol 2024; 22:155-169. [PMID: 37794173 DOI: 10.1038/s41579-023-00972-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023]
Abstract
Burkholderia pseudomallei, the causative agent of melioidosis, is found in soil and water of tropical and subtropical regions globally. Modelled estimates of the global burden predict that melioidosis remains vastly under-reported, and a call has been made for it to be recognized as a neglected tropical disease by the World Health Organization. Severe weather events and environmental disturbance are associated with increased case numbers, and it is anticipated that, in some regions, cases will increase in association with climate change. Genomic epidemiological investigations have confirmed B. pseudomallei endemicity in newly recognized regions, including the southern United States. Melioidosis follows environmental exposure to B. pseudomallei and is associated with comorbidities that affect the immune response, such as diabetes, and with socioeconomic disadvantage. Several vaccine candidates are ready for phase I clinical trials. In this Review, we explore the global burden, epidemiology and pathophysiology of B. pseudomallei as well as current diagnostics, treatment recommendations and preventive measures, highlighting research needs and priorities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ella M Meumann
- Global and Tropical Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia.
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Division of Medicine, Royal Darwin Hospital, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia.
| | - Direk Limmathurotsakul
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Department of Tropical Hygiene, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- NDM Centre for Global Health Research, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Susanna J Dunachie
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- NDM Centre for Global Health Research, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Willem J Wiersinga
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Center for Experimental Molecular Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Bart J Currie
- Global and Tropical Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Division of Medicine, Royal Darwin Hospital, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Seng R, Chomkatekaew C, Tandhavanant S, Saiprom N, Phunpang R, Thaipadungpanit J, Batty EM, Day NPJ, Chantratita W, West TE, Thomson NR, Parkhill J, Chewapreecha C, Chantratita N. Genetic diversity, determinants, and dissemination of Burkholderia pseudomallei lineages implicated in melioidosis in northeast Thailand. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.06.02.543359. [PMID: 38106061 PMCID: PMC10723255 DOI: 10.1101/2023.06.02.543359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Melioidosis is an often-fatal neglected tropical disease caused by an environmental bacterium Burkholderia pseudomallei. However, our understanding of the disease-causing bacterial lineages, their dissemination, and adaptive mechanisms remains limited. To address this, we conducted a comprehensive genomic analysis of 1,391 B. pseudomallei isolates collected from nine hospitals in northeast Thailand between 2015 and 2018, and contemporaneous isolates from neighbouring countries, representing the most densely sampled collection to date. Our study identified three dominant lineages with unique gene sets enhancing bacterial fitness, indicating lineage-specific adaptation strategies. Crucially, recombination was found to drive lineage-specific gene flow. Transcriptome analyses of representative clinical isolates from each dominant lineage revealed heightened expression of lineage-specific genes in environmental versus infection conditions, notably under nutrient depletion, highlighting environmental persistence as a key factor in the success of dominant lineages. The study also revealed the role of environmental factors - slope of terrain, altitude, direction of rivers, and the northeast monsoons - in shaping B. pseudomallei geographical dispersal. Collectively, our findings highlight persistence in the environment as a pivotal element facilitating B. pseudomallei spread, and as a prelude to exposure and infection, thereby providing useful insights for informing melioidosis prevention and control strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rathanin Seng
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Chalita Chomkatekaew
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, UK
| | - Sarunporn Tandhavanant
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Natnaree Saiprom
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Rungnapa Phunpang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Janjira Thaipadungpanit
- Department of Clinical Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Elizabeth M Batty
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Nicholas PJ Day
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Wasun Chantratita
- Center for Medical Genomics, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - T. Eoin West
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care & Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | | | - Julian Parkhill
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, UK
| | - Claire Chewapreecha
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Department of Clinical Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Parasites and Microbes, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge, UK
- Previous Affiliations: Bioinformatics and Systems Biology Program, School of Bioresource and Technology, King Mongkut University of Technology Thonburi, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Narisara Chantratita
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Guterres H, Gusmao C, Pinheiro M, Martins J, Odio G, Maia C, da Conceicao V, Soares M, Osorio C, da Silva ES, Tilman A, Givney R, Oakley T, Yan J, Toto L, Amaral E, James R, Buising K, Mayo M, Kaestli M, Webb JR, Baird RW, Currie BJ, Francis JR, Muhi S. Melioidosis in Timor-Leste: First Case Description and Phylogenetic Analysis. Open Forum Infect Dis 2023; 10:ofad405. [PMID: 37577114 PMCID: PMC10414804 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofad405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Burkholderia pseudomallei, the causative agent of melioidosis, has not yet been reported in Timor-Leste, a sovereign state northwest of Australia. In the context of improved access to diagnostic resources and expanding clinical networks in the Australasian region, we report the first 3 cases of culture-confirmed melioidosis in Timor-Leste. These cases describe a broad range of typical presentations, including sepsis, pneumonia, multifocal abscesses, and cutaneous infection. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the Timor-Leste isolates belong to the Australasian clade of B. pseudomallei, rather than the Asian clade, consistent with the phylogeographic separation across the Wallace Line. This study underscores an urgent need to increase awareness of this pathogen in Timor-Leste and establish diagnostic laboratories with improved culture capacity in regional hospitals. Clinical suspicion should prompt appropriate sampling and communication with laboratory staff to target diagnostic testing. Local antimicrobial guidelines have recently been revised to include recommendations for empiric treatment of severe sepsis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Celia Gusmao
- National Hospital Guido Valadares, Dili, Timor-Leste
| | | | - Joana Martins
- National Hospital Guido Valadares, Dili, Timor-Leste
| | - Gustavo Odio
- National Hospital Guido Valadares, Dili, Timor-Leste
| | | | - Virginia da Conceicao
- National Health Laboratory, Dili, Timor-Leste
- Menzies School of Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Messias Soares
- National Health Laboratory, Dili, Timor-Leste
- Menzies School of Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
| | | | | | | | - Rodney Givney
- Menzies School of Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Tessa Oakley
- Menzies School of Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Jennifer Yan
- Menzies School of Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Lucia Toto
- Menzies School of Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Elfiana Amaral
- Menzies School of Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Rodney James
- Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Kirsty Buising
- Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Mark Mayo
- Menzies School of Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Mirjam Kaestli
- Menzies School of Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Jessica R Webb
- Menzies School of Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
- Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Robert W Baird
- Territory Pathology, Royal Darwin Hospital, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Bart J Currie
- Menzies School of Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Joshua R Francis
- Menzies School of Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Stephen Muhi
- Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Zheng H, Qin J, Chen H, Hu H, Zhang X, Yang C, Wu Y, Li Y, Li S, Kuang H, Zhou H, Shen D, Song K, Song Y, Zhao T, Yang R, Tan Y, Cui Y. Genetic diversity and transmission patterns of Burkholderia pseudomallei on Hainan island, China, revealed by a population genomics analysis. Microb Genom 2021; 7. [PMID: 34762026 PMCID: PMC8743561 DOI: 10.1099/mgen.0.000659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Burkholderia pseudomallei is a Gram-negative soil-dwelling bacillus that causes melioidosis, a frequently fatal infectious disease, in tropical and subtropical regions. Previous studies have identified the overall genetic and evolutionary characteristics of B. pseudomallei on a global scale, including its origin and transmission routes. However, beyond its known hyperendemicity foci in northern Australia and Southeast Asia, the distribution and genetic characteristics of B. pseudomallei in most tropical regions remain poorly understood, including in southern China. Here, we sequenced the genomes of 122 B. pseudomallei strains collected from Hainan, an island in southern China, in 2002–2018, to investigate the population structure, relationships with global strains, local epidemiology, and virulence and antimicrobial-resistance factors. A phylogenetic analysis and hierarchical clustering divided the Hainan strains into nine phylogenic groups (PGs), 80 % of which were concentrated within five major groups (group 1: corresponding to minor sequence types [STs], 12.3 %; group 3: ST46 and ST50, 31.1 %; group 9: ST58, 13.1 %; group 11: ST55, 8.2 %; group 15: mainly ST658, 15.6%). A phylogenetic analysis that included global strains suggested that B. pseudomallei in Hainan originated from Southeast Asian countries, transmitted in multiple historical importation events. We also identified several mutual transmission events between Hainan and Southeast Asian countries in recent years, including three importation events from Thailand and Singapore to Hainan and three exportation events from Hainan to Singapore, Malaysia, and Taiwan island. A statistical analysis of the temporal distribution showed that the Hainan strains of groups 3, 9, and 15 have dominated the disease epidemic locally in the last 5 years. The spatial distribution of the Hainan strains demonstrated that some PGs are distributed in different cities on Hainan island, and by combining phylogenic and geographic distribution information, we detected 21 between-city transmission events, indicating its frequent local transmission. The detection of virulence factor genes showed that 56 % of the Hainan strains in group 1 encode a B. pseudomallei-specific adherence factor, boaB, confirming the specific pathogenic characteristics of the Hainan strains in group 1. An analysis of the antimicrobial-resistance potential of B. pseudomallei showed that various kinds of alterations were identified in clinically relevant antibiotic resistance factors, such as AmrR, PenA and PBP3, etc. Our results clarify the population structure, local epidemiology, and pathogenic characteristics of B. pseudomallei in Hainan, providing further insight into its regional and global transmission networks and improving our knowledge of its global phylogeography.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hongyuan Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, 100071, PR China
| | - Jingliang Qin
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, 100071, PR China.,School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui Province, 230032, PR China
| | - Hai Chen
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Sanya People's Hospital, Sanya, Hainan Province, 572000, PR China
| | - Hongyan Hu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Hainan Hospital of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Sanya, Hainan Province, 572000, PR China
| | - Xianglilan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, 100071, PR China
| | - Chao Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, 100071, PR China
| | - Yarong Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, 100071, PR China
| | - Yuanli Li
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Sanya People's Hospital, Sanya, Hainan Province, 572000, PR China
| | - Sha Li
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Sanya People's Hospital, Sanya, Hainan Province, 572000, PR China
| | - Huihui Kuang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Hainan Hospital of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Sanya, Hainan Province, 572000, PR China
| | - Hanwang Zhou
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Hainan Hospital of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Sanya, Hainan Province, 572000, PR China
| | - Dingxia Shen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Hainan Hospital of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Sanya, Hainan Province, 572000, PR China
| | - Kai Song
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, 100071, PR China
| | - Yajun Song
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, 100071, PR China
| | - Tongyan Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, 100071, PR China
| | - Ruifu Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, 100071, PR China
| | - Yafang Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, 100071, PR China
| | - Yujun Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, 100071, PR China.,School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui Province, 230032, PR China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Ghazali AK, Eng SA, Khoo JS, Teoh S, Hoh CC, Nathan S. Whole-genome comparative analysis of Malaysian Burkholderia pseudomallei clinical isolates. Microb Genom 2021; 7. [PMID: 33565959 PMCID: PMC8208702 DOI: 10.1099/mgen.0.000527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Burkholderia pseudomallei, a soil-dwelling Gram-negative bacterium, is the causative agent of the endemic tropical disease melioidosis. Clinical manifestations of B. pseudomallei infection range from acute or chronic localized infection in a single organ to fulminant septicaemia in multiple organs. The diverse clinical manifestations are attributed to various factors, including the genome plasticity across B. pseudomallei strains. We previously characterized B. pseudomallei strains isolated in Malaysia and noted different levels of virulence in model hosts. We hypothesized that the difference in virulence might be a result of variance at the genome level. In this study, we sequenced and assembled four Malaysian clinical B. pseudomallei isolates, UKMR15, UKMPMC2000, UKMD286 and UKMH10. Phylogenomic analysis showed that Malaysian subclades emerged from the Asian subclade, suggesting that the Malaysian strains originated from the Asian region. Interestingly, the low-virulence strain, UKMH10, was the most distantly related compared to the other Malaysian isolates. Genomic island (GI) prediction analysis identified a new island of 23 kb, GI9c, which is present in B. pseudomallei and Burkholderia mallei, but not Burkholderia thailandensis. Genes encoding known B. pseudomallei virulence factors were present across all four genomes, but comparative analysis of the total gene content across the Malaysian strains identified 104 genes that are absent in UKMH10. We propose that these genes may encode novel virulence factors, which may explain the reduced virulence of this strain. Further investigation on the identity and role of these 104 proteins may aid in understanding B. pseudomallei pathogenicity to guide the design of new therapeutics for treating melioidosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad-Kamal Ghazali
- Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Su-Anne Eng
- Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Jia-Shiun Khoo
- Codon Genomics S/B, 26, Jalan Dutamas 7, Taman Dutamas Balakong, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Seddon Teoh
- Codon Genomics S/B, 26, Jalan Dutamas 7, Taman Dutamas Balakong, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Chee-Choong Hoh
- Codon Genomics S/B, 26, Jalan Dutamas 7, Taman Dutamas Balakong, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Sheila Nathan
- Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Using Land Runoff to Survey the Distribution and Genetic Diversity of Burkholderia pseudomallei in Vientiane, Laos. Appl Environ Microbiol 2021; 87:AEM.02112-20. [PMID: 33257313 PMCID: PMC7851688 DOI: 10.1128/aem.02112-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Melioidosis is a disease of significant public health importance that is being increasingly recognized globally. The majority of cases arise through direct percutaneous exposure to its etiological agent, Burkholderia pseudomallei In the Lao People's Democratic Republic (Laos), the presence and environmental distribution of B. pseudomallei are not well characterized, though recent epidemiological surveys of the bacterium have indicated that B. pseudomallei is widespread throughout the environment in the center and south of the country and that rivers can act as carriers and potential sentinels for the bacterium. The spatial and genetic distribution of B. pseudomallei within Vientiane Capital, from where the majority of cases diagnosed to date have originated, remains an important knowledge gap. We sampled surface runoff from drain catchment areas throughout urban Vientiane to determine the presence and local population structure of the bacterium. B. pseudomallei was detected in drainage areas throughout the capital, indicating it is widespread in the environment and that exposure rates in urban Vientiane are likely more frequent than previously thought. Whole-genome comparative analysis demonstrated that Lao B. pseudomallei isolates are highly genetically diverse, suggesting the bacterium is well-established and not a recent introduction. Despite the wide genome diversity, one environmental survey isolate was highly genetically related to a Lao melioidosis patient isolate collected 13 years prior to the study. Knowledge gained from this study will augment understanding of B. pseudomallei phylogeography in Asia and enhance public health awareness and future implementation of infection control measures within Laos.IMPORTANCE The environmental bacterium B. pseudomallei is the etiological agent of melioidosis, a tropical disease with one model estimating a global annual incidence of 165,000 cases and 89,000 deaths. In the Lao People's Democratic Republic (Laos), the environmental distribution and population structure of B. pseudomallei remain relatively undefined, particularly in Vientiane Capital from where most diagnosed cases have originated. We used surface runoff as a proxy for B. pseudomallei dispersal in the environment and performed whole-genome sequencing (WGS) to examine the local population structure. Our data confirmed that B. pseudomallei is widespread throughout Vientiane and that surface runoff might be useful for future environmental monitoring of the bacterium. B. pseudomallei isolates were also highly genetically diverse, suggesting the bacterium is well-established and endemic in Laos. These findings can be used to improve awareness of B. pseudomallei in the Lao environment and demonstrates the epidemiological and phylogeographical insights that can be gained from WGS.
Collapse
|
8
|
A Persisting Nontropical Focus of Burkholderia pseudomallei with Limited Genome Evolution over Five Decades. mSystems 2020; 5:5/6/e00726-20. [PMID: 33172968 PMCID: PMC7657595 DOI: 10.1128/msystems.00726-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Burkholderia pseudomallei is predominantly a tropical pathogen uncommonly found in the environment of temperate climatic regions. It is unclear if introduction into temperate regions is sporadic and temporary or if B. pseudomallei can persist in such environments. B. pseudomallei was identified in the environment of southwest Western Australia with melioidosis cases between 1966 and 1991. We report a new cluster with 23 animal fatalities in the same region from 2017, with B. pseudomallei again being recovered from the environment. Comparison of the isolates from the first and second clusters using genomics revealed a single sequence type, high clonality, and limited recombination, even though the time of recovery of the isolates spanned 51 years. This is a major contrast to the extensive genomic diversity seen in the tropics. Our data support the suggestion that B. pseudomallei has the ability to persist in nontropical environments, potentially in a latent state, and has the ability to activate following favorable conditions (rainfall) and then infect animals and humans. Burkholderia pseudomallei is the causative agent of the high-mortality disease melioidosis. Although melioidosis is classified as a tropical disease, rare autochthonous cases have been reported from temperate climatic regions, with uncertainty as to whether B. pseudomallei is persistent in the local environment and whether specific genetic mechanisms facilitate the survival of B. pseudomallei outside the tropics. Sporadic cases of melioidosis occurred in a valley region (latitude 31.6°S) in southwest Western Australia, Australia, between 1966 and 1992. We report a new melioidosis cluster in the same region following high rainfall in January 2017. More than 20 animals died, and B. pseudomallei was isolated from four alpacas, a parrot, and three environmental samples taken from the farm where the alpacas resided. Epidemiological data and genomics revealed that two locations on the farm were the probable sources of the alpaca infections. We determined that B. pseudomallei isolates from the 2017 cluster belonged to sequence type 284 (ST-284), as did all isolates recovered from 1966 to 1992. Genomic analysis confirmed that the ST-284 isolates were clonal and contained conserved genomic islands and limited evidence of recombination. We identified protein-coding regions unique to these isolates that might influence the persistence of B. pseudomallei in this temperate region. We demonstrate the environmental persistence of B. pseudomallei in a temperate region for over 50 years, with limited genetic changes suggesting a latent state and with activation, potential aerosolization, and local dispersal following unusually high rainfall. IMPORTANCEBurkholderia pseudomallei is predominantly a tropical pathogen uncommonly found in the environment of temperate climatic regions. It is unclear if introduction into temperate regions is sporadic and temporary or if B. pseudomallei can persist in such environments. B. pseudomallei was identified in the environment of southwest Western Australia with melioidosis cases between 1966 and 1991. We report a new cluster with 23 animal fatalities in the same region from 2017, with B. pseudomallei again being recovered from the environment. Comparison of the isolates from the first and second clusters using genomics revealed a single sequence type, high clonality, and limited recombination, even though the time of recovery of the isolates spanned 51 years. This is a major contrast to the extensive genomic diversity seen in the tropics. Our data support the suggestion that B. pseudomallei has the ability to persist in nontropical environments, potentially in a latent state, and has the ability to activate following favorable conditions (rainfall) and then infect animals and humans.
Collapse
|
9
|
Webb JR, Win MM, Zin KN, Win KKN, Wah TT, Ashley EA, Smithuis F, Swe MMM, Mayo M, Currie BJ, Dance DAB. Myanmar Burkholderia pseudomallei strains are genetically diverse and originate from Asia with phylogenetic evidence of reintroductions from neighbouring countries. Sci Rep 2020; 10:16260. [PMID: 33004984 PMCID: PMC7530998 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-73545-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2020] [Accepted: 09/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Melioidosis was first identified in Myanmar in 1911 but for the last century it has remained largely unreported there. Burkholderia pseudomallei was first isolated from the environment of Myanmar in 2016, confirming continuing endemicity. Recent genomic studies showed that B. pseudomallei originated in Australia and spread to Asia, with phylogenetic evidence of repeated reintroduction of B. pseudomallei across countries bordered by the Mekong River and the Malay Peninsula. We present the first whole-genome sequences of B. pseudomallei isolates from Myanmar: nine clinical and seven environmental isolates. We used large-scale comparative genomics to assess the genetic diversity, phylogeography and potential origins of B. pseudomallei in Myanmar. Global phylogenetics demonstrated that Myanmar isolates group in two distantly related clades that reside in a more ancestral Asian clade with high amounts of genetic diversity. The diversity of B. pseudomallei from Myanmar and divergence within our global phylogeny suggest that the original introduction of B. pseudomallei to Myanmar was not a recent event. Our study provides new insights into global patterns of B. pseudomallei dissemination, most notably the dynamic nature of movement of B. pseudomallei within densely populated Southeast Asia. The role of anthropogenic influences in both ancient and more recent dissemination of B. pseudomallei to Myanmar and elsewhere in Southeast Asia and globally requires further study.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica R Webb
- Global and Tropical Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, NT, Australia.
| | - Mo Mo Win
- Department of Medical Research, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - Khwar Nyo Zin
- Microbiology Laboratory, Yangon General Hospital, Yangon, Myanmar
| | | | | | - Elizabeth A Ashley
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus, Oxford, UK
- Myanmar-Oxford Clinical Research Unit, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - Frank Smithuis
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus, Oxford, UK
- Myanmar-Oxford Clinical Research Unit, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - Myo Maung Maung Swe
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus, Oxford, UK
| | - Mark Mayo
- Global and Tropical Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, NT, Australia
| | - Bart J Currie
- Global and Tropical Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, NT, Australia
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Northern Territory Medical Program, Royal Darwin Hospital, Darwin, NT, Australia
| | - David A B Dance
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus, Oxford, UK
- Lao-Oxford-Mahosot Hospital-Wellcome Trust Research Unit, Microbiology Laboratory, Mahosot Hospital, Vientiane, Laos
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Aziz A, Currie BJ, Mayo M, Sarovich DS, Price EP. Comparative genomics confirms a rare melioidosis human-to-human transmission event and reveals incorrect phylogenomic reconstruction due to polyclonality. Microb Genom 2020; 6:e000326. [PMID: 31958055 PMCID: PMC7067207 DOI: 10.1099/mgen.0.000326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2019] [Accepted: 12/18/2019] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Human-to-human transmission of the melioidosis bacterium, Burkholderia pseudomallei, is exceedingly rare, with only a handful of suspected cases documented to date. Here, we used whole-genome sequencing (WGS) to characterize one such unusual B. pseudomallei transmission event, which occurred between a breastfeeding mother with mastitis and her child. Two strains corresponding to multilocus sequence types (STs)-259 and -261 were identified in the mother's sputum from both the primary culture sweep and in purified colonies, confirming an unusual polyclonal infection in this patient. In contrast, primary culture sweeps of the mother's breast milk and the child's cerebrospinal fluid and blood samples contained only ST-259, indicating monoclonal transmission to the child. Analysis of purified ST-259 isolates showed no genetic variation between mother and baby isolates, providing the strongest possible evidence of B. pseudomallei human-to-human transmission, probably via breastfeeding. Next, phylogenomic analysis of all isolates, including the mother's mixed ST-259/ST-261 sputum sample, was performed to investigate the effects of mixtures on phylogenetic inference. Inclusion of this mixture caused a dramatic reduction in the number of informative SNPs, resulting in branch collapse of ST-259 and ST-261 isolates, and several instances of incorrect topology in a global B. pseudomallei phylogeny, resulting in phylogenetic incongruence. Although phylogenomics can provide clues about the presence of mixtures within WGS datasets, our results demonstrate that this methodology can lead to phylogenetic misinterpretation if mixed genomes are not correctly identified and omitted. Using current bioinformatic tools, we demonstrate a robust method for bacterial mixture identification and strain parsing that avoids these pitfalls.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ammar Aziz
- Global and Tropical Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, NT, Australia
| | - Bart J. Currie
- Global and Tropical Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, NT, Australia
- Infectious Diseases Department, Royal Darwin Hospital, Darwin, NT, Australia
| | - Mark Mayo
- Global and Tropical Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, NT, Australia
| | - Derek S. Sarovich
- Global and Tropical Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, NT, Australia
- GeneCology Research Centre, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, QLD, Australia
- Sunshine Coast Health Institute, Birtinya, QLD, Australia
| | - Erin P. Price
- Global and Tropical Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, NT, Australia
- GeneCology Research Centre, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, QLD, Australia
- Sunshine Coast Health Institute, Birtinya, QLD, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Hall CM, Jaramillo S, Jimenez R, Stone NE, Centner H, Busch JD, Bratsch N, Roe CC, Gee JE, Hoffmaster AR, Rivera-Garcia S, Soltero F, Ryff K, Perez-Padilla J, Keim P, Sahl JW, Wagner DM. Burkholderia pseudomallei, the causative agent of melioidosis, is rare but ecologically established and widely dispersed in the environment in Puerto Rico. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2019; 13:e0007727. [PMID: 31487287 PMCID: PMC6748447 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0007727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2019] [Revised: 09/17/2019] [Accepted: 08/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Burkholderia pseudomallei is a soil-dwelling bacterium and the causative agent of melioidosis. The global burden and distribution of melioidosis is poorly understood, including in the Caribbean. B. pseudomallei was previously isolated from humans and soil in eastern Puerto Rico but the abundance and distribution of B. pseudomallei in Puerto Rico as a whole has not been thoroughly investigated. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS We collected 600 environmental samples (500 soil and 100 water) from 60 sites around Puerto Rico. We identified B. pseudomallei by isolating it via culturing and/or using PCR to detect its DNA within complex DNA extracts. Only three adjacent soil samples from one site were positive for B. pseudomallei with PCR; we obtained 55 isolates from two of these samples. The 55 B. pseudomallei isolates exhibited fine-scale variation in the core genome and contained four novel genomic islands. Phylogenetic analyses grouped Puerto Rico B. pseudomallei isolates into a monophyletic clade containing other Caribbean isolates, which was nested inside a larger clade containing all isolates from Central/South America. Other Burkholderia species were commonly observed in Puerto Rico; we cultured 129 isolates from multiple soil and water samples collected at numerous sites around Puerto Rico, including representatives of B. anthina, B. cenocepacia, B. cepacia, B. contaminans, B. glumae, B. seminalis, B. stagnalis, B. ubonensis, and several unidentified novel Burkholderia spp. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE B. pseudomallei was only detected in three soil samples collected at one site in north central Puerto Rico with only two of those samples yielding isolates. All previous human and environmental B. pseudomallei isolates were obtained from eastern Puerto Rico. These findings suggest B. pseudomallei is ecologically established and widely dispersed in the environment in Puerto Rico but rare. Phylogeographic patterns suggest the source of B. pseudomallei populations in Puerto Rico and elsewhere in the Caribbean may have been Central or South America.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carina M. Hall
- The Pathogen and Microbiome Institute, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Sierra Jaramillo
- The Pathogen and Microbiome Institute, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Rebecca Jimenez
- U.S. Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Veterinary Services, San Juan, Puerto Rico, United States of America
| | - Nathan E. Stone
- The Pathogen and Microbiome Institute, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Heather Centner
- The Pathogen and Microbiome Institute, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Joseph D. Busch
- The Pathogen and Microbiome Institute, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Nicole Bratsch
- The Pathogen and Microbiome Institute, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Chandler C. Roe
- The Pathogen and Microbiome Institute, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Jay E. Gee
- Bacterial Special Pathogens Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Alex R. Hoffmaster
- Bacterial Special Pathogens Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Sarai Rivera-Garcia
- U.S. Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Veterinary Services, San Juan, Puerto Rico, United States of America
| | - Fred Soltero
- U.S. Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Veterinary Services, San Juan, Puerto Rico, United States of America
| | - Kyle Ryff
- Dengue Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, San Juan, Puerto Rico, United States of America
| | - Janice Perez-Padilla
- Dengue Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, San Juan, Puerto Rico, United States of America
| | - Paul Keim
- The Pathogen and Microbiome Institute, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Jason W. Sahl
- The Pathogen and Microbiome Institute, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona, United States of America
| | - David M. Wagner
- The Pathogen and Microbiome Institute, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Whole-Genome Sequences of Eight Clinical Isolates of Burkholderia pseudomallei from Melioidosis Patients in Eastern Sri Lanka. Microbiol Resour Announc 2019; 8:8/33/e00645-19. [PMID: 31416870 PMCID: PMC6696645 DOI: 10.1128/mra.00645-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Here, we report whole-genome sequences (WGS) of eight clinical isolates of Burkholderia pseudomallei obtained from melioidosis patients with sepsis in eastern Sri Lanka.
Collapse
|
13
|
Webb JR, Rachlin A, Rigas V, Sarovich DS, Price EP, Kaestli M, Ward LM, Mayo M, Currie BJ. Tracing the environmental footprint of the Burkholderia pseudomallei lipopolysaccharide genotypes in the tropical "Top End" of the Northern Territory, Australia. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2019; 13:e0007369. [PMID: 31348781 PMCID: PMC6701815 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0007369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2019] [Revised: 08/20/2019] [Accepted: 07/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The Tier 1 select agent Burkholderia pseudomallei is an environmental bacterium that causes melioidosis, a high mortality disease. Variably present genetic markers used to elucidate strain origin, relatedness and virulence in B. pseudomallei include the Burkholderia intracellular motility factor A (bimA) and filamentous hemagglutinin 3 (fhaB3) gene variants. Three lipopolysaccharide (LPS) O-antigen types in B. pseudomallei have been described, which vary in proportion between Australian and Asian isolates. However, it remains unknown if these LPS types can be used as genetic markers for geospatial analysis within a contiguous melioidosis-endemic region. Using a combination of whole-genome sequencing (WGS), statistical analysis and geographical mapping, we examined if the LPS types can be used as geographical markers in the Northern Territory, Australia. The clinical isolates revealed that LPS A prevalence was highest in the Darwin and surrounds (n = 660; 96% being LPS A and 4% LPS B) and LPS B in the Katherine and Katherine remote and East Arnhem regions (n = 79; 60% being LPS A and 40% LPS B). Bivariate logistics regression of 999 clinical B. pseudomallei isolates revealed that the odds of getting a clinical isolate with LPS B was highest in East Arnhem in comparison to Darwin and surrounds (OR 19.5, 95% CI 9.1-42.0; p<0.001). This geospatial correlation was subsequently confirmed by geographically mapping the LPS type from 340 environmental Top End strains. We also found that in the Top End, the minority bimA genotype bimABm has a similar remote region geographical footprint to that of LPS B. In addition, correlation of LPS type with multi-locus sequence typing (MLST) was strong, and where multiple LPS types were identified within a single sequence type, WGS confirmed homoplasy of the MLST loci. The clinical, sero-diagnostic and vaccine implications of geographically-based B. pseudomallei LPS types, and their relationships to regional and global dispersal of melioidosis, require global collaborations with further analysis of larger clinically and geospatially-linked datasets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica R. Webb
- Global and Tropical Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
- * E-mail:
| | - Audrey Rachlin
- Global and Tropical Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Vanessa Rigas
- Global and Tropical Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Derek S. Sarovich
- Global and Tropical Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
- GeneCology Research Centre, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Queensland, Australia
| | - Erin P. Price
- Global and Tropical Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
- GeneCology Research Centre, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Queensland, Australia
| | - Mirjam Kaestli
- Global and Tropical Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
- Research Institute for the Environment and Livelihoods, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Linda M. Ward
- Global and Tropical Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Mark Mayo
- Global and Tropical Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Bart J. Currie
- Global and Tropical Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Northern Territory Medical Program, Royal Darwin Hospital, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Baker AL, Pearson T, Sahl JW, Hepp C, Price EP, Sarovich DS, Mayo M, Tuanyok A, Currie BJ, Keim P, Warner J. Burkholderia pseudomallei distribution in Australasia is linked to paleogeographic and anthropogenic history. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0206845. [PMID: 30395628 PMCID: PMC6218070 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0206845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2018] [Accepted: 10/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Burkholderia pseudomallei is the environmental bacillus that causes melioidosis; a disease clinically significant in Australia and Southeast Asia but emerging in tropical and sub-tropical regions around the globe. Previous studies have placed the ancestral population of the organism in Australia with a single lineage disseminated to Southeast Asia. We have previously characterized B. pseudomallei isolates from New Guinea and the Torres Strait archipelago; remote regions that share paleogeographic ties with Australia. These studies identified regional biogeographical boundaries. In this study, we utilize whole-genome sequencing to reconstruct ancient evolutionary relationships and ascertain correlations between paleogeography and present-day distribution of this bacterium in Australasia. Our results indicate that B. pseudomallei from New Guinea fall into a single clade within the Australian population. Furthermore, clades from New Guinea are region-specific; an observation possibly linked to limited recent anthropogenic influence in comparison to mainland Australia and Southeast Asia. Isolates from the Torres Strait archipelago were distinct yet scattered among those from mainland Australia. These results provide evidence that the New Guinean and Torres Strait lineages may be remnants of an ancient portion of the Australian population. Rising sea levels isolated New Guinea and the Torres Strait Islands from each other and the Australian mainland, and may have allowed long-term isolated evolution of these lineages, providing support for a theory of microbial biogeography congruent with that of macro flora and fauna. Moreover, these findings indicate that contemporary microbial biogeography theories should consider recent and ongoing impacts of globalisation and human activity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anthony L. Baker
- Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture (TIA), University of Tasmania, Sandy Bay, Tasmania, Australia
- College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
- * E-mail:
| | - Talima Pearson
- Pathogen and Microbiome Institute, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Jason W. Sahl
- Pathogen and Microbiome Institute, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Crystal Hepp
- Pathogen and Microbiome Institute, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona, United States of America
- Informatics and Computing, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Erin P. Price
- Global and Tropical Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
- Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Queensland, Australia
| | - Derek S. Sarovich
- Global and Tropical Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
- Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Queensland, Australia
| | - Mark Mayo
- Global and Tropical Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Apichai Tuanyok
- College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Bart J. Currie
- Global and Tropical Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Paul Keim
- Pathogen and Microbiome Institute, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Jeffrey Warner
- College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Steinmetz I, Wagner GE, Kanyala E, Sawadogo M, Soumeya H, Teferi M, Andargie E, Yeshitela B, Yaba Atsé-Achi L, Sanogo M, Bonfoh B, Rakotozandrindrainy R, Pongombo Shongo C, Shongoya Pongombo M, Kasamba Ilunga E, Lichtenegger S, Assig K, May J, Bertherat E, Owusu M, Owusu-Dabo E, Adu-Sarkodie Y. Melioidosis in Africa: Time to Uncover the True Disease Load. Trop Med Infect Dis 2018; 3:E62. [PMID: 30274458 PMCID: PMC6073667 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed3020062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2018] [Revised: 05/31/2018] [Accepted: 06/01/2018] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Melioidosis is an often fatal infectious disease with a protean clinical spectrum, caused by the environmental bacterial pathogen Burkholderia pseudomallei. Although the disease has been reported from some African countries in the past, the present epidemiology of melioidosis in Africa is almost entirely unknown. Therefore, the common view that melioidosis is rare in Africa is not evidence-based. A recent study concludes that large parts of Africa are environmentally suitable for B. pseudomallei. Twenty-four African countries and three countries in the Middle East were predicted to be endemic, but no cases of melioidosis have been reported yet. In this study, we summarize the present fragmentary knowledge on human and animal melioidosis and environmental B. pseudomallei in Africa and the Middle East. We propose that systematic serological studies in man and animals together with environmental investigations on potential B. pseudomallei habitats are needed to identify risk areas for melioidosis. This information can subsequently be used to target raising clinical awareness and the implementation of simple laboratory algorithms for the isolation of B. pseudomallei from clinical specimens. B. pseudomallei was most likely transferred from Asia to the Americas via Africa, which is shown by phylogenetic analyses. More data on the virulence and genomic characteristics of African B. pseudomallei isolates will contribute to a better understanding of the global evolution of the pathogen and will also help to assess potential differences in disease prevalence and outcome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ivo Steinmetz
- Institute of Hygiene, Microbiology and Environmental Medicine, Medical University of Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria.
- Friedrich Loeffler Institute of Medical Microbiology, University Medicine of Greifswald, KöR, 17475 Greifswald, Germany.
| | - Gabriel E Wagner
- Institute of Hygiene, Microbiology and Environmental Medicine, Medical University of Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria.
| | - Estelle Kanyala
- Departement UFR/Science de la Santé, Université d'Ouagadougou, BP 7021, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.
| | - Mamadou Sawadogo
- Departement UFR/Science de la Santé, Université d'Ouagadougou, BP 7021, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.
| | - Hema Soumeya
- Centre Muraz, 01 BP 390 Bobo Dioulasso, Burkina Faso.
| | - Mekonnen Teferi
- Armauer Hansen Research Institute, Jimma Road, ALERT Compound, P.O. Box 1005 Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
| | - Emawayish Andargie
- Armauer Hansen Research Institute, Jimma Road, ALERT Compound, P.O. Box 1005 Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
| | - Biruk Yeshitela
- Armauer Hansen Research Institute, Jimma Road, ALERT Compound, P.O. Box 1005 Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
| | - Louise Yaba Atsé-Achi
- Laboratoire Central Vétérinaire de Bingerville, LANADA, P.O. Box 206 Bingerville, Cote D'Ivoire.
- Centre Suisse de Recherches Scientifiques en Côte d'Ivoire (CSRS), 01 BP 1303 Abidjan, Cote D'Ivoire.
| | - Moussa Sanogo
- Laboratoire Central Vétérinaire de Bingerville, LANADA, P.O. Box 206 Bingerville, Cote D'Ivoire.
| | - Bassirou Bonfoh
- Centre Suisse de Recherches Scientifiques en Côte d'Ivoire (CSRS), 01 BP 1303 Abidjan, Cote D'Ivoire.
| | | | - Célestin Pongombo Shongo
- Democratic Republic of the Congo, Université de Lubumbashi, 1825 Lubumbashi, Republic of the Congo.
| | - Mick Shongoya Pongombo
- Democratic Republic of the Congo, Université de Lubumbashi, 1825 Lubumbashi, Republic of the Congo.
| | - Eric Kasamba Ilunga
- Democratic Republic of the Congo, Université de Lubumbashi, 1825 Lubumbashi, Republic of the Congo.
| | - Sabine Lichtenegger
- Institute of Hygiene, Microbiology and Environmental Medicine, Medical University of Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria.
| | - Karoline Assig
- Institute of Hygiene, Microbiology and Environmental Medicine, Medical University of Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria.
- Friedrich Loeffler Institute of Medical Microbiology, University Medicine of Greifswald, KöR, 17475 Greifswald, Germany.
| | - Jürgen May
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, 20359 Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Eric Bertherat
- Department of Infectious Hazard Management, World Health Organization, Geneva 27, Switzerland.
| | - Michael Owusu
- College of Health Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, 00233 Kumasi, Ghana.
| | - Ellis Owusu-Dabo
- College of Health Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, 00233 Kumasi, Ghana.
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research, 00233 Kumasi, Ghana.
| | - Yaw Adu-Sarkodie
- College of Health Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, 00233 Kumasi, Ghana.
| |
Collapse
|