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Tracking the establishment of local endemic populations of an emergent enteric pathogen

Kathryn E Holt1, Tran Vu Thieu Nga, Duy Pham Thanh

  • 1Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia.

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America
|October 2, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Shigella sonnei, a cause of bacterial dysentery, was introduced to Vietnam in the 1980s and has since undergone localized expansion and evolution. This study reveals its microevolutionary patterns within a new host population.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Genomics
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Shigella sonnei is a globally emerging pathogen causing bacterial dysentery.
  • Understanding pathogen establishment and microevolution is crucial for public health.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the local establishment and microevolution of Shigella sonnei in Vietnam.
  • To analyze genomic data from Vietnamese S. sonnei isolates over 15 years.

Main Methods:

  • Whole-genome sequencing of 263 Vietnamese Shigella sonnei isolates.
  • Phylogenetic analysis to track geographical spread and clonal expansion.
  • Identification of selective sweeps and convergent evolution events.

Main Results:

  • Shigella sonnei was introduced to Vietnam in the 1980s.
  • Localized clonal expansion and genomic fixation events were observed.
  • Evidence of geographical spread, restricted populations, and convergent evolution was found.

Conclusions:

  • The study provides high-resolution insights into the microevolution of Shigella sonnei in a new host population.
  • Periodic selective sweeps drive the pathogen's adaptation and establishment.
  • Understanding these microevolutionary dynamics is key to controlling dysentery outbreaks.
Keywords:
drug resistanceenteric diseasegenomicsphylogeography

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