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BurkHostGEN: a study protocol for evaluating variations in the Burkholderia pseudomallei and host genomes associated
Kesorn Angchagun1, Phumrapee Boonklang1, Chalita Chomkatekaew1
1Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Salaya, Nakhon Pathom, 10400, Thailand.
Background:
Melioidosis is a frequently fatal disease caused by an environmental bacterium Burkholderia pseudomallei. The disease is prevalent in northeast Thailand, particularly among rice field farmers who are at risk of bacterial exposure through contact with contaminated soil and water. However, not all exposure results in disease, and infection can manifest diverse outcomes. We postulate that genetic factors, whether from the bacterium, the host or the combination of both, may influence disease outcomes. To address this hypothesis, we aim to collect, sequence, and analyse genetic data from melioidosis patients and controls, along with isolates of B. pseudomallei obtained from patients. Additionally, we will study the metagenomics of the household water supply for both patients and controls, including the presence of B. pseudomallei.
Methods:
BurkHostGEN is an ongoing observational study being conducted at Sunpasitthiprasong Hospital, Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand. We are obtaining consent from 600 melioidosis patients and 700 controls, spanning both sexes, to collect 1 mL of blood for host DNA analysis, 3 mL of blood for RNA analysis, as well as 5 L of household water supply for metagenomic analysis. Additionally, we are isolating B. pseudomallei from the melioidosis patients to obtain bacterial DNA. This comprehensive approach will allow us to identify B. pseudomallei and their paired host genetic factors associated with disease acquisition and severity. Ethical approvals have been obtained for BurkHostGEN. Host and bacterial genetic data will be uploaded to European Genome-Phenome Archive (EGA) and European Nucleotide Archive (ENA), respectively.
Conclusions:
BurkHostGEN holds the potential to discover bacterial and host genetic factors associated with melioidosis infection and severity of illness. It can also support various study designs, including biomarker validation, disease pathogenesis, and epidemiological analysis not only for melioidosis but also for other infectious diseases.
Insights
Genetic factors in Burkholderia pseudomallei and hosts may influence melioidosis outcomes. The BurkHostGEN study investigates these genetic links in Thailand to understand disease acquisition and severity.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Genetics
- Microbiology
Background:
- Melioidosis, a fatal disease caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei, is common in Thailand, especially among farmers.
- Exposure to contaminated soil and water increases risk, but disease outcomes vary.
- Genetic factors in the bacterium, host, or both may influence melioidosis development and severity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of genetic factors in melioidosis susceptibility and severity.
- To identify host and bacterial genetic determinants of melioidosis.
- To explore the genetic basis of diverse melioidosis infection outcomes.
Main Methods:
- The BurkHostGEN study collects blood and household water samples from melioidosis patients and controls in Thailand.
- Host DNA and RNA are analyzed, alongside bacterial DNA from B. pseudomallei isolates.
- Metagenomic analysis of household water investigates environmental B. pseudomallei presence.
Main Results:
- This study aims to identify specific B. pseudomallei and host genetic factors linked to melioidosis.
- Analysis will correlate genetic data with disease acquisition and severity.
- Data will be deposited in the European Genome-Phenome Archive (EGA) and European Nucleotide Archive (ENA).
Conclusions:
- BurkHostGEN can uncover bacterial and host genetic factors influencing melioidosis.
- Findings may elucidate melioidosis pathogenesis and disease severity.
- The study supports research into other infectious diseases and biomarker validation.
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