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Updated: Mar 25, 2026
08:03
Heuristic Mining of Hierarchical Genotypes and Accessory Genome Loci in Bacterial Populations
Published on: December 7, 2021
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Pan-genome multilocus sequence typing and outbreak-specific reference-based single nucleotide polymorphism analysis
S Roisin1, C Gaudin2, R De Mendonça1
1Erasme Hospital, ULB, Brussels, Belgium.
Summary
Whole genome sequencing revealed two independent Staphylococcus aureus clones causing concurrent neonatal outbreaks in Belgium. Limited transmission was observed, suggesting sporadic seeding from an external source.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Genomics
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Two concurrent outbreaks of exfoliative toxin A-positive methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (eta+ MSSA) occurred in Belgian neonatal units.
- The causative agent was identified as a sporadic spa-type t209 (ST-109).
Purpose of the Study:
- To resolve concurrent neonatal outbreaks caused by eta+ MSSA.
- To investigate transmission pathways and identify the source of the outbreaks using whole genome sequencing.
Main Methods:
- Two-step whole genome sequencing analysis was employed.
- Pan-genome multilocus sequence typing and single-nucleotide polymorphism analysis were used to compare outbreak isolates with surveillance data.
Main Results:
- The outbreaks were caused by independent, unrelated clones, distinct from surveillance isolates.
- Limited genomic variation among outbreak isolates indicated sporadic seeding from an exogenous source.
- Transmission within Outbreak A was limited, even among twins.
Conclusions:
- Whole genome sequencing provides detailed insights into complex outbreak transmission dynamics.
- Timely application of WGS can aid in early identification of outbreak sources.
- The findings suggest persistent, sporadic seeding from an external source rather than sustained clonal transmission.
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