Genotyping and macrolide-resistant mutation of Bordetella pertussis in East and South-East Asia
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Published on: February 22, 2019
Kentaro Koide1, ShuMan Yao2, Chuen-Sheue Chiang2
1Department of Bacteriology II, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan.
Objectives:
Macrolide-resistant Bordetella pertussis (MRBP) has been emerging and prevailing in mainland China since 2011. In this study, we aimed to investigate the genotype and macrolide resistance of circulating B. pertussis in East and Southeast Asia using genetic analyses.
Methods:
A total of 302 DNA extracts from clinical specimens and isolates from 2010 to 2020 were analyzed: 145 from Vietnam, 76 from Cambodia, 48 from Taiwan, and 33 from Japan. Genotypes were determined by multilocus variable-number tandem-repeat analysis (MLVA). Macrolide-resistant A2047G mutation in B. pertussis 23S rRNA was investigated using the duplex Cycleave real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay. Whole-genome sequencing was performed on two MRBP isolates that were identified for the first time in Taiwan.
Results:
Overall, 286 DNA extracts (95%) generated a complete MLVA genotype and 283 DNA extracts (94%) yielded a complete result for the A2047G mutation analysis. The A2047G mutation was detected in 18 DNA extracts: fourteen from Vietnam, one from Cambodia, two from Taiwan, and one from Japan. Most of them (78%) showed the genotypes MT104 and MT195, which have previously been reported in Chinese MRBP isolates. Further, the Taiwanese MRBP isolates were classified into the MT104 clade of Chinese MRBP isolates.
Conclusion:
After MRBP emerged and spread in mainland China, it may have spread to East and Southeast Asia in the 2010s. Continued surveillance targeting the A2047G mutation of MRBP is needed to prevent further spread of this emerging pathogen.
Insights
Macrolide-resistant Bordetella pertussis (MRBP) has spread from China to East and Southeast Asia. Continued surveillance for the A2047G mutation is crucial to prevent further dissemination of this emerging pathogen.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Genetics
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Macrolide-resistant Bordetella pertussis (MRBP) has been increasingly prevalent in China since 2011.
- Pertussis, caused by Bordetella pertussis, remains a significant public health concern globally.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the genetic makeup and macrolide resistance patterns of Bordetella pertussis circulating in East and Southeast Asia.
- To determine the geographical distribution and genotypic characteristics of MRBP in the region.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 302 DNA samples from clinical specimens and isolates collected between 2010 and 2020 from Vietnam, Cambodia, Taiwan, and Japan.
- Genotyping was performed using multilocus variable-number tandem-repeat analysis (MLVA).
- Detection of the A2047G mutation in the B. pertussis 23S rRNA gene was conducted using real-time PCR; whole-genome sequencing was performed on two Taiwanese MRBP isolates.
Main Results:
- The A2047G macrolide resistance mutation was identified in 18 isolates across Vietnam, Cambodia, Taiwan, and Japan.
- The majority of resistant isolates (78%) exhibited MLVA genotypes MT104 and MT195, consistent with those previously reported in Chinese MRBP isolates.
- Taiwanese MRBP isolates were found to belong to the MT104 clade, linking them to Chinese MRBP strains.
Conclusions:
- MRBP, originating in China, likely disseminated to East and Southeast Asian countries during the 2010s.
- Ongoing surveillance focusing on the A2047G mutation is essential for monitoring and controlling the spread of MRBP.
- Genetic analysis, including MLVA and whole-genome sequencing, is vital for understanding the epidemiology of emerging infectious diseases.

