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Global and regional dissemination and evolution of Burkholderia pseudomallei

Claire Chewapreecha1,2,3, Matthew T G Holden2,4, Minna Vehkala5

  • 1Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK.

Nature Microbiology
|January 24, 2017
PubMed

Insights

This study traces the global spread of Burkholderia pseudomallei, the cause of melioidosis. Findings suggest Australia as an origin, with subsequent spread to Asia and the Americas, potentially linked to the slave trade.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Genomics
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Burkholderia pseudomallei causes melioidosis, a significant global health concern with 165,000 annual cases.
  • Classified as a biothreat agent, understanding its transmission is crucial for public health.
  • Melioidosis clinical manifestations can vary geographically.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the geographic transmission routes of Burkholderia pseudomallei using whole genome sequencing.
  • To identify the origins and historical spread patterns of B. pseudomallei.
  • To correlate genetic diversity with geographical distribution and potential virulence factors.

Main Methods:

  • Whole genome sequencing of 469 B. pseudomallei isolates.
  • Analysis of isolates collected from 30 countries over 79 years.
  • Phylogenetic analysis to infer geographic transmission history.

Main Results:

  • Australia identified as an early reservoir, with subsequent spread to Southeast Asia, South Asia, and East Asia.
  • Evidence of repeated introductions within the Malay Peninsula and Mekong River regions.
  • African origin suggested for Central and South American isolates, with introduction between 1650-1850, coinciding with the slave trade.
  • Identification of geographically distinct genes and variants, including virulence-associated genes, in Australasian and Southeast Asian isolates.

Conclusions:

  • The study elucidates the complex geographic transmission history of Burkholderia pseudomallei.
  • Genetic variations may explain geographically restricted clinical presentations of melioidosis.
  • Understanding transmission dynamics is vital for managing this biothreat agent and disease.

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