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Tracking a serial killer: Integrating phylogenetic relationships, epidemiology, and geography for two invasive

Ifeoma Ezeoke1, Madeline R Galac2, Ying Lin3

  • 1Bureau of Communicable Disease, Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, New York, NY, United States of America.

Plos One
|November 29, 2018
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Whole Genome Sequencing revealed distinct clusters of serogroup C *Neisseria meningitidis* during two New York City outbreaks. Genomic and geographic data pinpointed transmission within local communities, aiding targeted public health interventions.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Genomics
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Meningococcal disease rates are declining nationally, but New York City (NYC) faced two serogroup C outbreaks (2005-2006, 2010-2013).
  • These outbreaks occurred within specific drug use and sexual networks, proving challenging to control and necessitating vaccination campaigns.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze meningococcal isolates using Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) to understand transmission dynamics.
  • To integrate genomic, geographic, and epidemiological data to map transmission networks.
  • To identify outbreak-associated genes through comparative genomics.

Main Methods:

  • Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) of *Neisseria meningitidis* isolates from before and during the outbreaks.
  • Integration of epidemiologic, geographic, and genomic data.
  • Application of betweenness centrality to identify key geographic transmission nodes.
  • Comparative genomic analysis to detect outbreak-specific genes.

Main Results:

  • Both outbreaks involved *Neisseria meningitidis* serogroup C (ST11/ET-37), with distinct phylogenetic clusters for each outbreak.
  • WGS improved isolate classification, identifying closely related strains belonging to the outbreaks.
  • Genomes from the second outbreak showed higher similarity; no unique polymorphisms distinguished the lineages.
  • Phylogenetic analysis and betweenness centrality revealed focal community transmission within NYC, with limited spread to other areas.

Conclusions:

  • Comparative genomic analysis of *Neisseria meningitidis* is crucial for understanding geographic spread.
  • Genomic insights facilitate targeted interventions to interrupt pathogen transmission.

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