Whole genome sequence typing to investigate the Apophysomyces outbreak following a tornado in Joplin, Missouri, 2011

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Kizee A Etienne1, John Gillece, Remy Hilsabeck

  • 1Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA. ketienne@cdc.gov

Plos One
|December 5, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Whole genome sequencing revealed multiple Apophysomyces trapeziformis genotypes from a single tornado event, suggesting local population structure. This study highlights the need to reassess fungal species classifications.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Mycology
  • Genomics
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Apophysomyces spp. infections in immunocompetent hosts typically result from traumatic implantation of contaminated soil or debris.
  • A 2011 tornado in Joplin, MO, led to 13 cases of Apophysomyces trapeziformis infections in victims with lacerations from airborne material.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the genetic diversity and population structure of Apophysomyces trapeziformis isolates from the Joplin tornado outbreak using whole genome sequence typing (WGST).
  • To determine the phylogenetic relationships among outbreak isolates and compare them to other Apophysomyces species.
  • To evaluate the utility of WGST for fungal species delineation within the Apophysomyces genus.

Main Methods:

  • Whole genome sequence typing (WGST) was employed for high-resolution phylogenetic single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis.
  • Seventeen Apophysomyces isolates from the Joplin outbreak and five control isolates (A. trapeziformis and A. variabilis) were analyzed.
  • Phylogenetic trees were constructed to assess genetic relatedness and population structure.

Main Results:

  • WGST analysis revealed three clusters of genotypically related or identical A. trapeziformis isolates among the Joplin outbreak, indicating multiple genotypes potentially from a single or multiple sources.
  • Joplin isolates were more genetically related to each other than to control isolates, suggesting localized population structure.
  • Distinct genotypes were observed within the Joplin group, despite the single exposure event.

Conclusions:

  • The Joplin tornado outbreak involved multiple genotypes of Apophysomyces trapeziformis, suggesting complex environmental dissemination or multiple introduction events.
  • WGST analysis provides valuable insights into the population structure of Apophysomyces, supporting the need for taxonomic reassessment within the genus.
  • This study underscores the importance of genomic tools in understanding fungal outbreaks and fungal taxonomy.

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