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Detection of Multiple Nosocomial Trichosporon asahii Transmission Events via Microsatellite Typing Assay, South
Abstract:
The fungus Trichosporon asahii has emerged as a cause of nosocomial infections, particularly in immunocompromised patients. Given its rising prevalence, information on its genetic diversity and transmission dynamics is urgently needed. We developed a microsatellite typing tool to investigate the genetic relatedness of T. asahii isolates. We selected 6 microsatellite markers from nanopore long-read sequencing of the T. asahii type-strain CBS 2479. We applied those markers to 111 clinical and environmental isolates; microsatellite typing showed high variability among isolates (11-37 alleles per marker) and identified 71 genotypes with strong discriminatory power (Simpson index of 0.9793). We applied the microsatellite typing method to T. asahii isolates from South America and identified multiple nosocomial transmission events from hospitals in Brazil, including clusters spanning more than a decade. The panel we developed offers high reproducibility and specificity, making it an effective tool for tracking outbreaks and determining the public health effects of T. asahii infections.
Insights
A new microsatellite typing tool effectively tracks the fungus Trichosporon asahii, revealing its genetic diversity and multiple hospital transmission events. This method aids in understanding and controlling nosocomial infections.
Area of Science:
- Medical Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
- Genetics
Background:
- Trichosporon asahii is an emerging cause of hospital-acquired infections, especially in vulnerable individuals.
- Understanding the genetic diversity and transmission of T. asahii is crucial due to its increasing prevalence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a microsatellite typing tool for assessing the genetic relatedness of Trichosporon asahii isolates.
- To investigate the transmission dynamics and genetic diversity of T. asahii in clinical and environmental settings.
Main Methods:
- Developed a panel of 6 microsatellite markers using nanopore long-read sequencing of the T. asahii type strain.
- Applied the typing method to 111 clinical and environmental T. asahii isolates.
- Analyzed genetic variability, discriminatory power (Simpson index), and identified genotypes.
Main Results:
- The microsatellite panel demonstrated high variability (11-37 alleles per marker) and strong discriminatory power (Simpson index 0.9793), identifying 71 distinct genotypes.
- The method successfully identified multiple nosocomial transmission events and long-term clusters of T. asahii in Brazilian hospitals.
- The developed tool showed high reproducibility and specificity.
Conclusions:
- The novel microsatellite typing tool is effective for tracking Trichosporon asahii outbreaks and understanding its epidemiology.
- This method provides valuable insights into the public health impact of T. asahii infections and facilitates infection control strategies.
