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Krisna MA, Jolley KA, Monteith W, Boubour A, Hamers RL, Brueggemann AB, Harrison OB, Maiden MCJ. Development and implementation of a core genome multilocus sequence typing scheme for Haemophilus influenzae. Microb Genom 2024; 10. [PMID: 39120932 DOI: 10.1099/mgen.0.001281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Haemophilus influenzae is part of the human nasopharyngeal microbiota and a pathogen causing invasive disease. The extensive genetic diversity observed in H. influenzae necessitates discriminatory analytical approaches to evaluate its population structure. This study developed a core genome multilocus sequence typing (cgMLST) scheme for H. influenzae using pangenome analysis tools and validated the cgMLST scheme using datasets consisting of complete reference genomes (N = 14) and high-quality draft H. influenzae genomes (N = 2297). The draft genome dataset was divided into a development dataset (N = 921) and a validation dataset (N = 1376). The development dataset was used to identify potential core genes, and the validation dataset was used to refine the final core gene list to ensure the reliability of the proposed cgMLST scheme. Functional classifications were made for all the resulting core genes. Phylogenetic analyses were performed using both allelic profiles and nucleotide sequence alignments of the core genome to test congruence, as assessed by Spearman's correlation and ordinary least square linear regression tests. Preliminary analyses using the development dataset identified 1067 core genes, which were refined to 1037 with the validation dataset. More than 70% of core genes were predicted to encode proteins essential for metabolism or genetic information processing. Phylogenetic and statistical analyses indicated that the core genome allelic profile accurately represented phylogenetic relatedness among the isolates (R 2 = 0.945). We used this cgMLST scheme to define a high-resolution population structure for H. influenzae, which enhances the genomic analysis of this clinically relevant human pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Made Ananda Krisna
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Department of Biology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Oxford University Clinical Research Unit Indonesia, Faculty of Medicine Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | | | - William Monteith
- Department of Biology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Bath, Bath, UK
| | - Alexandra Boubour
- Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Raph L Hamers
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Oxford University Clinical Research Unit Indonesia, Faculty of Medicine Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | | | - Odile B Harrison
- Department of Biology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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Chromy D, Heissenberger D, Lippert K, Heger F, Indra A, Hyden P, Bauer WM, Grabmeier-Pfistershammer K, Willinger B, Weninger W, Pleininger S, Geusau A. Genotypic cluster analysis of Neisseria gonorrhoeae reveals a spectrum of sexual mixing including among HIV-serodiscordant men who have sex with men. Infect Dis (Lond) 2024:1-10. [PMID: 38907951 DOI: 10.1080/23744235.2024.2339864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 06/24/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Men who have sex with men (MSM) are more vulnerable to acquiring sexually transmitted infections (STIs). In 2019, for instance, 74% of European Neisseria gonorrhoeae (Ng) cases among males affected MSM. A recent report by the World Health Organization showed that most of the 2020' interim targets to end STIs by 2030 had not been met. A broadened understanding of STI transmission networks could guide future elimination strategies and reduce the STI burden. Therefore, we used whole-genome sequencing (WGS) to determine Ng-clusters and assess sexual mixing. METHODS WGS was performed on Ng-isolates collected at the Medical University of Vienna, Austria and was used for core genome multi-locus sequencing typing cluster analysis. Epidemiologic and infection-specific details were extracted from medical records. RESULTS Genomic analysis and demographic data were available for 415 isolates, and 43.9% (182/415) were allocated to 31 Ng-clusters. Nine clusters comprised samples from heterosexual individuals only (women N = 4, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-negative men N = 49, HIV-positive man N = 1), nine clusters included MSM only (HIV-negative N = 22, HIV-positive N = 13) and 13 clusters included both heterosexuals and MSM (HIV-negative N = 75, HIV-positive N = 18). Current use of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) was reported by 22.8% of MSM. In multivariate analysis, only 'MSM' predicted clustering with isolates from HIV-positive individuals (adjusted odds ratio 10.24 (95% CI 5.02-20.90)). CONCLUSIONS Sexual mixing of HIV-positive, HIV-negative MSM and non-MSM was frequently observed. Furthermore, HIV-serodiscordant clustering highlights the importance of PrEP rollout to avert HIV transmission. Our findings can inform future STI prevention strategies and continuous surveillance efforts are required to keep up with transmission dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Chromy
- Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | | | - Kathrin Lippert
- Institute for Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety, Vienna, Austria
| | - Florian Heger
- Institute for Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety, Vienna, Austria
| | - Alexander Indra
- Institute for Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety, Vienna, Austria
- Paracelsus Medical University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Patrick Hyden
- Institute for Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety, Vienna, Austria
| | | | | | - Birgit Willinger
- Department of Hygiene and Medical Microbiology, Division of Clinical Microbiology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Wolfgang Weninger
- Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Sonja Pleininger
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Alexandra Geusau
- Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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Sarenje KL, van Zwetselaar M, Kumburu H, Sonda T, Mmbaga B, Ngalamika O, Maimbolwa MC, Siame A, Munsaka S, Kwenda G. Antimicrobial resistance and heterogeneity of Neisseria gonorrhoeae isolated from patients attending sexually transmitted infection clinics in Lusaka, Zambia. BMC Genomics 2024; 25:290. [PMID: 38500064 PMCID: PMC10949682 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-024-10155-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) of Neisseria gonorrhoeae is a threat to public health as strains have developed resistance to antimicrobials available for the treatment of gonorrhea. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) can detect and predict antimicrobial resistance to enhance the control and prevention of gonorrhea. Data on the molecular epidemiology of N. gonorrhoeae is sparse in Zambia. This study aimed to determine the genetic diversity of N. gonorrhoeae isolated from patients attending sexually transmitted infection (STI) clinics in Lusaka, Zambia. METHODS A cross-sectional study that sequenced 38 N. gonorrhoeae isolated from 122 patients with gonorrhea from 2019 to 2020 was conducted. The AMR profiles were determined by the E-test, and the DNA was extracted using the NucliSens easyMaG magnetic device. Whole genome sequencing was performed on the Illumina NextSeq550 platform. The Bacterial analysis pipeline (BAP) that is readily available at: https://cge.cbs.dtu.dk/services/CGEpipeline-1.1 was used for the identification of the species, assembling the genome, multi-locus sequence typing (MLST), detection of plasmids and AMR genes. Phylogeny by single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) was determined with the CCphylo dataset. RESULTS The most frequent STs with 18.4% of isolates each were ST7363, ST1921 and ST1582, followed by ST1583 (13%), novel ST17026 (7.9%), ST1588 (7.9%), ST1596 (5.3%), ST11181 (5.3%), ST11750 (2.6/%) and ST11241 (2.6%) among the 38 genotyped isolates. The blaTeM-1B and tetM (55%) was the most prevalent combination of AMR genes, followed by blaTeM-1B (18.4%), tetM (15.8%), and the combination of blaTeM-1B, ermT, and tetL was 2.6% of the isolates. The AMR phenotypes were predicted in ciprofloxacin, penicillin, tetracycline, azithromycin, and cefixime. The combination of mutations 23.7% was gryA (S91F), parC (E91G), ponA (L421) and rpsJ (V57M), followed by 18.4% in gyrA (S91F), ponA (L421P), rpsJ (V57M), and 18.4% in gyrA (D95G, S91F), ponA (L421P), and rpsJ (V57M). The combinations in gyrA (D95G, S91F) and rpsJ (V57M), and gyrA (D95G, S91F), parC (E91F), ponA (L421P) and rpsJ (V57M) were 13.2% each of the isolates. Plasmid TEM-1 (84.2%), tetM (15.8%), and gonococcal genetic island (GGI) was detected in all isolates. CONCLUSION This study revealed remarkable heterogeneity of N. gonorrhoeae with blaTEM-1, tetM, ponA, gyrA, and parC genes associated with high resistance to penicillin, tetracycline, and ciprofloxacin demanding revision of the standard treatment guidelines and improved antimicrobial stewardship in Zambia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelvin Lutambo Sarenje
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Health Sciences, University of Zambia, Lusaka, P.O. Box 50110, Zambia.
- Department of Dermato-venereology, University Teaching Hospital, Lusaka, Zambia.
| | | | - Happiness Kumburu
- Kilimanjaro Clinical Research Institute, Moshi, Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
- Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, Moshi, Tanzania
- Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College, Moshi, Tanzania
| | - Tolbert Sonda
- Kilimanjaro Clinical Research Institute, Moshi, Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
- Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, Moshi, Tanzania
- Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College, Moshi, Tanzania
| | - Blandina Mmbaga
- Kilimanjaro Clinical Research Institute, Moshi, Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
- Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, Moshi, Tanzania
- Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College, Moshi, Tanzania
| | - Owen Ngalamika
- Department of Dermato-venereology, University Teaching Hospital, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Margaret C Maimbolwa
- Department of Midwifery Child, and Women's Health, School of Nursing Sciences, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Amon Siame
- Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Sody Munsaka
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Health Sciences, University of Zambia, Lusaka, P.O. Box 50110, Zambia
| | - Geoffrey Kwenda
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Health Sciences, University of Zambia, Lusaka, P.O. Box 50110, Zambia
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Klaper K, Tlapák H, Selb R, Jansen K, Heuer D. Integrated molecular, phenotypic and epidemiological surveillance of antimicrobial resistance in Neisseria gonorrhoeae in Germany. Int J Med Microbiol 2024; 314:151611. [PMID: 38309143 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmm.2024.151611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Numbers of infections with Neisseria gonorrhoeae are among the top three sexually transmitted infections (STI) worldwide. In addition, the emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Neisseria gonorrhoeae pose an important public-health issue. The integration of genomic, phenotypic and epidemiological data to monitor Neisseria gonorrhoeae fosters our understanding of the emergence and spread of AMR in Neisseria gonorrhoeae and helps to inform therapy guidelines and intervention strategies. Thus, the Gonococcal resistance surveillance (Go-Surv-AMR) was implemented at the Robert Koch Institute in Germany in 2021 to obtain molecular, phenotypic and epidemiological data on Neisseria gonorrhoeae isolated in Germany. Here, we describe the structure and aims of Go-Surv-AMR. Furthermore, we point out future directions of Go-Surv-AMR to improve the integrated genomic surveillance of Neisseria gonorrhoeae. In this context we discuss current and prospective sequencing approaches and the information derived from their application. Moreover, we highlight the importance of combining phenotypic and WGS data to monitor the evolution of AMR in Neisseria gonorrhoeae in Germany. The implementation and constant development of techniques and tools to improve the genomic surveillance of Neisseria gonorrhoeae will be important in coming years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen Klaper
- Department Infectious Diseases, Unit 18 `Sexually transmitted bacterial pathogens and HIV´, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Hana Tlapák
- Department Infectious Diseases, Unit 18 `Sexually transmitted bacterial pathogens and HIV´, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Regina Selb
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Unit 34 `'HIV/AIDS, STI and Blood-borne Infections´, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Klaus Jansen
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Unit 34 `'HIV/AIDS, STI and Blood-borne Infections´, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Dagmar Heuer
- Department Infectious Diseases, Unit 18 `Sexually transmitted bacterial pathogens and HIV´, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany.
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Unitt A, Maiden M, Harrison O. Characterizing the diversity and commensal origins of penA mosaicism in the genus Neisseria. Microb Genom 2024; 10:001209. [PMID: 38381035 PMCID: PMC10926701 DOI: 10.1099/mgen.0.001209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 02/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Mosaic penA alleles formed through horizontal gene transfer (HGT) have been instrumental to the rising incidence of ceftriaxone-resistant gonococcal infections. Although interspecies HGT of regions of the penA gene between Neisseria gonorrhoeae and commensal Neisseria species has been described, knowledge concerning which species are the most common contributors to mosaic penA alleles is limited, with most studies examining only a small number of alleles. Here, we investigated the origins of recombinant penA alleles through in silico analyses that incorporated 1700 penA alleles from 35 513 Neisseria isolates, comprising 15 different Neisseria species. We identified Neisseria subflava and Neisseria cinerea as the most common source of recombinant sequences in N. gonorrhoeae penA. This contrasted with Neisseria meningitidis penA, for which the primary source of recombinant DNA was other meningococci, followed by Neisseria lactamica. Additionally, we described the distribution of polymorphisms implicated in antimicrobial resistance in penA, and found that these are present across the genus. These results provide insight into resistance-related changes in the penA gene across human-associated Neisseria species, illustrating the importance of genomic surveillance of not only the pathogenic Neisseria, but also of the oral niche-associated commensals from which these pathogens are sourcing key genetic variation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia Unitt
- Department of Biology, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3SY, UK
| | - Martin Maiden
- Department of Biology, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3SY, UK
| | - Odile Harrison
- Department of Biology, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3SY, UK
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology Unit, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, OX3 7LF, UK
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Zhong L, Zhang M, Sun L, Yang Y, Wang B, Yang H, Shen Q, Xia Y, Cui J, Hang H, Ren Y, Pang B, Deng X, Zhan Y, Li H, Zhou Z. Distributed genotyping and clustering of Neisseria strains reveal continual emergence of epidemic meningococcus over a century. Nat Commun 2023; 14:7706. [PMID: 38001084 PMCID: PMC10673917 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-43528-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Core genome multilocus sequence typing (cgMLST) is commonly used to classify bacterial strains into different types, for taxonomical and epidemiological applications. However, cgMLST schemes require central databases for the nomenclature of new alleles and sequence types, which must be synchronized worldwide and involve increasingly intensive calculation and storage demands. Here, we describe a distributed cgMLST (dcgMLST) scheme that does not require a central database of allelic sequences and apply it to study evolutionary patterns of epidemic and endemic strains of the genus Neisseria. We classify 69,994 worldwide Neisseria strains into multi-level clusters that assign species, lineages, and local disease outbreaks. We divide Neisseria meningitidis into 168 endemic lineages and three epidemic lineages responsible for at least 9 epidemics in the past century. According to our analyses, the epidemic and endemic lineages experienced very different population dynamics in the past 100 years. Epidemic lineages repetitively emerged from endemic lineages, disseminated worldwide, and apparently disappeared rapidly afterward. We propose a stepwise model for the evolutionary trajectory of epidemic lineages in Neisseria, and expect that the development of similar dcgMLST schemes will facilitate epidemiological studies of other bacterial pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Zhong
- Pasteurien College, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China
- Key Laboratory of Alkene-Carbon Fibers-Based Technology & Application for Detection of Major Infectious Diseases, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Menghan Zhang
- Suzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Suzhou, 215004, China
| | - Libing Sun
- Department of Pathology, East District of Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Suzhou, 215000, China
| | - Yu Yang
- Pasteurien College, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Bo Wang
- Suzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Suzhou, 215004, China
| | - Haibing Yang
- Suzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Suzhou, 215004, China
| | - Qiang Shen
- Suzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Suzhou, 215004, China
| | - Yu Xia
- Suzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Suzhou, 215004, China
| | - Jiarui Cui
- Suzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Suzhou, 215004, China
| | - Hui Hang
- Suzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Suzhou, 215004, China
| | - Yi Ren
- Iotabiome Biotechnology Inc, Suzhou, 215000, China
| | - Bo Pang
- National Key Laboratory of Intelligent Tracking and Forecasting for Infectious Diseases, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Xiangyu Deng
- Center for Food Safety, University of Georgia, Griffin, GA, USA
| | - Yahui Zhan
- Suzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Suzhou, 215004, China.
| | - Heng Li
- Pasteurien College, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China.
- Key Laboratory of Alkene-Carbon Fibers-Based Technology & Application for Detection of Major Infectious Diseases, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China.
- Suzhou Key Laboratory of Pathogen Bioscience and Anti-infective Medicine, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China.
| | - Zhemin Zhou
- Pasteurien College, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China.
- Key Laboratory of Alkene-Carbon Fibers-Based Technology & Application for Detection of Major Infectious Diseases, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China.
- National Key Laboratory of Intelligent Tracking and Forecasting for Infectious Diseases, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China.
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Gianecini RA, Poklepovich T, Golparian D, Cuenca N, Scocozza L, Bergese S, Canigia LF, Vilches V, Lazzarino Elgart MJ, Unemo M, Campos J, Galarza P. Sustained Transmission of Neisseria gonorrhoeae Strains with High-Level Azithromycin Resistance (MIC ≥ 256 μg/mL) in Argentina, 2018 to 2022. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0097023. [PMID: 37338369 PMCID: PMC10433793 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.00970-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Azithromycin combined with ceftriaxone is the recommended dual therapy for uncomplicated gonorrhea in many countries. Nevertheless, the increasing prevalence of azithromycin resistance compromises the effectiveness of this treatment strategy. From 2018 to 2022, we collected 13 gonococcal isolates with high-level azithromycin resistance (MIC ≥ 256 μg/mL) across Argentina. Whole-genome sequencing revealed that these isolates were mainly represented by the internationally spreading Neisseria gonorrhoeae multi-antigen sequence typing (NG-MAST) genogroup G12302, containing the 23S rRNA A2059G mutation (in all four alleles) together with mosaic mtrD and mtrR promoter 2 loci. This information is important to develop targeted public health policies to control the spread of azithromycin-resistant N. gonorrhoeae in Argentina and internationally. IMPORTANCE Azithromycin resistance in Neisseria gonorrhoeae has been increasing in numerous populations worldwide, which is of concern, as azithromycin is part of the recommended dual treatment in many countries. Here, we report 13 N. gonorrhoeae isolates with high-level azithromycin resistance (MIC ≥ 256 μg/mL). This study observed that high-level azithromycin-resistant gonococcal strains have shown sustained transmission in Argentina and are related to the successful international clone NG-MAST G12302. Genomic surveillance together with real-time tracing and data-sharing networks will be crucial in controlling the spread of azithromycin resistance in gonococcus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo Ariel Gianecini
- World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Antimicrobial Resistance, National Reference Laboratory of Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD), National Institute of Infectious Diseases - ANLIS “Dr. Carlos G. Malbrán”, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Tomas Poklepovich
- National Center of Genomics and Bioinformatics - ANLIS “Dr. Carlos G. Malbrán”, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Daniel Golparian
- World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Gonorrhoea and Other STIs, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Noelia Cuenca
- World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Antimicrobial Resistance, National Reference Laboratory of Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD), National Institute of Infectious Diseases - ANLIS “Dr. Carlos G. Malbrán”, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Laura Scocozza
- Laboratorio Bacteriología, Hospital Fernández, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Silvina Bergese
- Laboratorio Bacteriología, Hospital Alemán, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | - Viviana Vilches
- Laboratorio Microbiología, Hospital Universitario Austral, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | - Magnus Unemo
- World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Gonorrhoea and Other STIs, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Josefina Campos
- National Center of Genomics and Bioinformatics - ANLIS “Dr. Carlos G. Malbrán”, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Patricia Galarza
- World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Antimicrobial Resistance, National Reference Laboratory of Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD), National Institute of Infectious Diseases - ANLIS “Dr. Carlos G. Malbrán”, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Tayimetha CY, Njunda LA, Akenji B, Founou RC, Feteh V, Zofou D, Chafa A, Oyono Y, Etogo B, Tseuko D, Fonkoua MC, Harrison OB. Phenotypic and genotypic characterization of Neisseria gonorrhoeae isolates from Yaoundé, Cameroon, 2019 to 2020. Microb Genom 2023; 9:mgen001091. [PMID: 37590058 PMCID: PMC10483411 DOI: 10.1099/mgen.0.001091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023] Open
Abstract
This study investigated antimicrobial resistance (AMR) phenotypes and genotypes exhibited by Neisseria gonorrhoeae from Yaoundé, Cameroon. AMR to tetracycline, penicillin and ciprofloxacin was observed although none of the isolates had reduced susceptibility to azithromycin, cefixime or ceftriaxone. Whole genome sequence (WGS) data were obtained and, using a threshold of 300 or fewer locus differences in the N. gonorrhoeae core gene multilocus sequence typing (cgMLST) scheme, four distinct core genome lineages were identified. Publicly available WGS data from 1355 gonococci belonging to these four lineages were retrieved from the PubMLST database, allowing the Cameroonian isolates to be examined in the context of existing data and compared with related gonococci. Examination of AMR genotypes in this dataset found an association between the core genome and AMR with, for example, isolates belonging to the core genome group, Ng_cgc_300 : 21, possessing GyrA and ParC alleles with amino acid substitutions conferring high-level resistance to ciprofloxacin while lineages Ng_cgc_300 : 41 and Ng_cgc_300 : 243 were predicted to be susceptible to several antimicrobials. A core genome lineage, Ng_cgc_300 : 498, was observed which largely consisted of gonococci originating from Africa. Analyses from this study demonstrate the advantages of using the N. gonorrhoeae cgMLST scheme to find related gonococci to carry out genomic analyses that enhance our understanding of the population biology of this important pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolle Yanique Tayimetha
- Faculty of Health Sciences of the University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
- National Public Health Laboratory, Yaounde, Cameroon
| | | | - Blaise Akenji
- National Public Health Laboratory, Yaounde, Cameroon
| | - Raspail Carrel Founou
- Department of Microbiology, Haematology and Immunology of University of Dschang, Dschang, Cameroon
| | - Vitalis Feteh
- Faculty of Health Sciences of the University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
| | - Denis Zofou
- Faculty of Health Sciences of the University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
| | - Anicet Chafa
- Medical Bacteriology Laboratory of University Hospital Center, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Yannick Oyono
- Faculty of Health Sciences of the University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
| | | | - Dorine Tseuko
- National Public Health Laboratory, Yaounde, Cameroon
| | - Marie Christine Fonkoua
- Centre Pasteur du Cameroon, Yaoundé, Cameroon
- Cameroonian Society of Microbiology, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Odile B. Harrison
- Department of Biology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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Elsener TA, Jolley KA, Sanders E, Maiden MCJ, Cehovin A, Tang CM. There are three major Neisseria gonorrhoeae β-lactamase plasmid variants which are associated with specific lineages and carry distinct TEM alleles. Microb Genom 2023; 9:mgen001057. [PMID: 37436798 PMCID: PMC10438826 DOI: 10.1099/mgen.0.001057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Neisseria gonorrhoeae is a significant threat to global health with an estimated incidence of over 80 million cases each year and high levels of antimicrobial resistance. The gonococcal β-lactamase plasmid, pbla, carries the TEM β-lactamase, which requires only one or two amino acid changes to become an extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL); this would render last resort treatments for gonorrhoea ineffective. Although pbla is not mobile, it can be transferred by the conjugative plasmid, pConj, found in N. gonorrhoeae. Seven variants of pbla have been described previously, but little is known about their frequency or distribution in the gonococcal population. We characterised sequences of pbla variants and devised a typing scheme, Ng_pblaST that allows their identification from whole genome short-read sequences. We implemented Ng_pblaST to assess the distribution of pbla variants in 15 532 gonococcal isolates. This demonstrated that only three pbla variants commonly circulate in gonococci, which together account for >99 % of sequences. The pbla variants carry different TEM alleles and are prevalent in distinct gonococcal lineages. Analysis of 2758 pbla-containing isolates revealed the co-occurrence of pbla with certain pConj types, indicating co-operativity between pbla and pConj variants in the spread of plasmid-mediated AMR in N. gonorrhoeae. Understanding the variation and distribution of pbla is essential for monitoring and predicting the spread of plasmid-mediated β-lactam resistance in N. gonorrhoeae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tabea A. Elsener
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | | | - Eduard Sanders
- Arum Institute, Johannesburg, South Africa, and KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilfi, Kenya
| | | | - Ana Cehovin
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Christoph M. Tang
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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10
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Biochemical Atypia in Russian Neisseria gonorrhoeae Clinical Isolates Belonging to the G807 NG-MAST Genogroup/ST1594 MLST. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10112271. [DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10112271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2022] [Revised: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Many current gonococcal clinical isolates in Russia show atypical taxonomically significant biochemical activity, which leads to species misidentification. Molecular typing of such cultures according Neisseria gonorrhoeae multiantigen sequence typing (NG-MAST) and multilocus sequence typing (MLST) protocols assigned them to the G807 NG-MAST GENOGROUP/ST1594 MLST that has been predominant in Russia in recent years. The goal of the study was to analyze the molecular mechanisms of biochemical atypia in N. gonorrhoeae clinical isolates characterized as the members of G807 NG-MAST GENOGROUP/ST1594 MLST. Sixteen isolates of this genogroup were included in the study, eight showed defective amino acid metabolism or loss of D-glucose fermentation. Comparative bioinformatic analysis based on WGS data divided these isolates into two clusters strictly associated with typical or atypical biochemical activity. Cultures with defective amino acid metabolism had a 5-nucleotide insertion in the pip-gene that caused a stop codon and led to synthesis of the non-functional enzyme. Comparison of the sequenced genomes with publicly available N. gonorrhoeae genomes showed the rarity of this insertion. In the global N. gonorrhoeae phylogenetic tree the G807 NG-MAST GENOGROUP/ST1594 MLST forms a distinct branch characterized by 170 SNPs, most of which are non-synonymous. We hypothesized a unique strategy for G807 NG-MAST GENOGROUP/ST1594 MLST clone persistence in the global N. gonorrhoeae population via escape of antimicrobial therapy due to diagnostic misidentification.
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11
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Zhang D, Hu M, Chi S, Chen H, Lin C, Yu F, Zheng Z. Molecular Characteristics and Gonococcal Genetic Island Carrying Status of Thirty-Seven Neisseria gonorrhoeae Isolates in Eastern China. Infect Drug Resist 2022; 15:6545-6553. [DOI: 10.2147/idr.s385079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
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12
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Guglielmino CJD, Sandhu S, Lau CL, Buckely C, Trembizki E, Whiley DM, Jennison AV. Molecular characterisation of Neisseria gonorrhoeae associated with disseminated gonococcal infections in Queensland, Australia: a retrospective surveillance study. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e061040. [PMID: 35918119 PMCID: PMC9351343 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-061040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Gonorrhoea caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae is the second most notified sexually transmitted infection (STI) in Australia and the case numbers for this STI have been increasing globally. Progressive gonococcal infection may lead to disseminated gonococcal infection (DGI), which causes significant morbidity among patients. This study aims to examine the genetic diversity of N. gonorrhoeae isolates collected in Queensland from January 2010 to August 2015 and to determine factors associated with DGI in Queensland. DESIGN Retrospective surveillance study for epidemiological purposes. SETTING All gonorrhoeae isolates referred by private and public pathology laboratories to the state of Queensland, Australia Neisseria reference laboratory. METHODS Between January 2010 and August 2015, 3953 N. gonorrhoeae isolates from both metropolitan and regional Queensland infections were typed with NG-MAST (N. gonorrhoeae multiantigen sequence typing) to assess the genetic diversity between strains. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) was used to investigate strain-related factors associated with DGI. RESULTS ST6876 was the most common NG-MAST type, detected in 7.6% of the isolates. DGI was significantly more likely in females <30 years (OR 13.02, p<0.0001) and in older males >30 years (OR 6.04, p<0.0001), with most cases originating from North Queensland (OR 8.5, p<0.0001). Strains harbouring PIA class of porB type were associated with DGI (OR 33.23, p<0.0001). CONCLUSION Genotyping techniques, such as NG-MAST and WGS, are proving instrumental in providing an insight into the population structure of N. gonorrhoeae, and genetic mechanisms of pathogenesis, such as for DGI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine J D Guglielmino
- Public Health Microbiology, Forensic and Scientific Services, Queensland Health, Archerfield, Queensland, Australia
| | - Sumeet Sandhu
- Public Health Microbiology, Forensic and Scientific Services, Queensland Health, Archerfield, Queensland, Australia
| | - Colleen L Lau
- Australian National University Research School of Population Health, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Cameron Buckely
- The University of Queensland Centre for Clinical Research, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Pathology Queensland Central Laboratory, Queensland Health, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Ella Trembizki
- The University of Queensland Centre for Clinical Research, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - David M Whiley
- The University of Queensland Centre for Clinical Research, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Pathology Queensland Central Laboratory, Queensland Health, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Amy V Jennison
- Public Health Microbiology, Forensic and Scientific Services, Queensland Health, Archerfield, Queensland, Australia
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13
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Schaeffer J, Lippert K, Pleininger S, Stöger A, Hasenberger P, Stadlbauer S, Heger F, Eigentler A, Geusau A, Indra A, Allerberger F, Ruppitsch W. Association of Phylogenomic Relatedness among Neisseria gonorrhoeae Strains with Antimicrobial Resistance, Austria, 2016-2020. Emerg Infect Dis 2022; 28:1694-1698. [PMID: 35876744 PMCID: PMC9328923 DOI: 10.3201/eid2808.220071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
We investigated genomic determinants of antimicrobial resistance in 1,318 Neisseria gonorrhoeae strains isolated in Austria during 2016–2020. Sequence type (ST) 9363 and ST11422 isolates had high rates of azithromycin resistance, and ST7363 isolates correlated with cephalosporin resistance. These results underline the benefit of genomic surveillance for antimicrobial resistance monitoring.
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14
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de Korne-Elenbaas J, Bruisten SM, van Dam AP, Maiden MCJ, Harrison OB. The Neisseria gonorrhoeae Accessory Genome and Its Association with the Core Genome and Antimicrobial Resistance. Microbiol Spectr 2022; 10:e0265421. [PMID: 35604129 PMCID: PMC9241924 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.02654-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The bacterial accessory genome provides the genetic flexibility needed to facilitate environment and host adaptation. In Neisseria gonorrhoeae, known accessory elements include plasmids which can transfer and mediate antimicrobial resistance (AMR); however, chromosomal accessory genes could also play a role in AMR. Here, the gonococcal accessory genome was characterized using gene-by-gene approaches and its association with the core genome and AMR were assessed. The gonococcal accessory gene pool consisted of 247 genes, which were mainly genes located on large mobile genetic elements, phage associated genes, or genes encoding putative secretion systems. Accessory elements showed similar synteny across genomes, indicating either a predisposition for particular genomic locations or ancestral inheritance that are conserved during strain expansion. Significant associations were found between the prevalence of accessory elements and core genome multi-locus sequence types (cgMLST), consistent with a structured gonococcal population despite frequent horizontal gene transfer (HGT). Increased prevalence of putative DNA exchange regulators was significantly associated with AMR, which included a putative secretion system, methyltransferases and a toxin-antitoxin system. Although frequent HGT results in high genetic diversity in the gonococcus, we found that this is mediated by a small gene pool. In fact, a highly organized genome composition was identified with a strong association between the accessory and core genome. Increased prevalence of DNA exchange regulators in antimicrobial resistant isolates suggests that genetic material exchange plays a role in the development or maintenance of AMR. These findings enhance our understanding of gonococcal genome architecture and have important implications for gonococcal population biology. IMPORTANCE The emergence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) against third generation cephalosporins in Neisseria gonorrhoeae is a major public health concern, as these are antibiotics of last resort for the effective treatment of gonorrhea. Although the resistance mechanisms against this class of antibiotics have not been entirely resolved, resistance against other classes of antibiotics, such as tetracyclines, is known to be mediated through plasmids, which are known gonococcal extra-chromosomal accessory elements. A complete assessment of the chromosomal accessory genome content and its role in AMR has not yet been undertaken. Here, we comprehensively characterize the gonococcal accessory genome to better understand genome architecture as well as the evolution and mechanisms of AMR in this species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jolinda de Korne-Elenbaas
- Public Health Laboratory, Department of Infectious Diseases, Public Health Service of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Department of Medical Microbiology, Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity (AI&II), Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Sylvia M. Bruisten
- Public Health Laboratory, Department of Infectious Diseases, Public Health Service of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity (AI&II), Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Alje P. van Dam
- Public Health Laboratory, Department of Infectious Diseases, Public Health Service of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Department of Medical Microbiology, Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity (AI&II), Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Martin C. J. Maiden
- Department of Zoology, Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Odile B. Harrison
- Department of Zoology, Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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15
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Shaskolskiy B, Kravtsov D, Kandinov I, Gorshkova S, Kubanov A, Solomka V, Deryabin D, Dementieva E, Gryadunov D. Comparative Whole-Genome Analysis of Neisseria gonorrhoeae Isolates Revealed Changes in the Gonococcal Genetic Island and Specific Genes as a Link to Antimicrobial Resistance. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:831336. [PMID: 35252037 PMCID: PMC8895040 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.831336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Comparative whole-genome analysis was performed for Neisseria gonorrhoeae isolates belonging to the Neisseria gonorrhoeae multiantigen sequence typing (NG-MAST) types predominant worldwide — 225, 1407, 2400, 2992, and 4186 — and to genogroup 807, the most common genogroup in the Russian Federation. Here, for the first time, the complete genomes of 25 N. gonorrhoeae isolates from genogroup 807 were obtained. For NG-MAST types 225, 1407, 2400, 2992, and 4186, genomes from the Pathogenwatch database were used. The phylogenetic network constructed for 150 genomes showed that the clustering according to NG-MAST type corresponded to the clustering according to genome. Comparisons of genomes of the six sequence types revealed 8-20 genes specific to each sequence type, including the loci for phase variations and genetic components of the gonococcal genetic island (GGI). NG-MAST type 2992 and 4186 isolates either lacked the GGI or carried critical mutations in genes essential for DNA secretion. In all analyzed genogroup 807 isolates, substitution of the essential atlA gene with the eppA gene was found, accompanied by a change in the traG allele, replacement of the ych gene with ych1, and the absence of the exp1 gene, which is likely to result in loss of GGI functionality. For the NG-MAST type 225, 1407 and 2400 isolates, no premature stop codons or reading frameshifts were found in the genes essential for GGI function. A relationship between isolate susceptibility to ciprofloxacin, penicillin, tetracycline and the presence of lesions in GGI genes necessary for DNA secretion was established. The N. gonorrhoeae evolutionary pathways, which allow a particular sequence type to maintain long-term predominance in the population, may include changes in genes responsible for adhesion and virulence, changes in the GGI structure, preservation of genes carrying drug resistance determinants, and changes in genes associated with host adaptation or encoding enzymes of biochemical pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boris Shaskolskiy
- Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
- *Correspondence: Boris Shaskolskiy,
| | - Dmitry Kravtsov
- Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Ilya Kandinov
- Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Sofya Gorshkova
- Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Alexey Kubanov
- State Research Center of Dermatovenerology and Cosmetology, Russian Ministry of Health, Moscow, Russia
| | - Victoria Solomka
- State Research Center of Dermatovenerology and Cosmetology, Russian Ministry of Health, Moscow, Russia
| | - Dmitry Deryabin
- State Research Center of Dermatovenerology and Cosmetology, Russian Ministry of Health, Moscow, Russia
| | - Ekaterina Dementieva
- Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Dmitry Gryadunov
- Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
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16
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Joseph SJ, Thomas Iv JC, Schmerer MW, Cartee J, St Cyr S, Schlanger K, Kersh EN, Raphael BH, Gernert KM. Global emergence and dissemination of Neisseria gonorrhoeae ST-9363 isolates with reduced susceptibility to azithromycin. Genome Biol Evol 2021; 14:6486421. [PMID: 34962987 DOI: 10.1093/gbe/evab287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Neisseria gonorrhoeae multi-locus sequence type (ST) 9363 core-genogroup isolates have been associated with reduced azithromycin susceptibility (AZMrs) and show evidence of clonal expansion in the U.S. Here we analyze a global collection of ST-9363 core-genogroup genomes to shed light on the emergence and dissemination of this strain. The global population structure of ST-9363 core-genogroup falls into three lineages: Basal, European, and North American; with 32 clades within all lineages. Although, ST-9363 core-genogroup is inferred to have originated from Asia in the mid-19th century; we estimate the three modern lineages emerged from Europe in the late 1970s to early 1980s. The European lineage appears to have emerged and expanded from around 1986 to 1998, spreading into North America and Oceania in the mid-2000s with multiple introductions, along with multiple secondary reintroductions into Europe. Our results suggest two separate acquisition events of mosaic mtrR and mtrR promoter alleles: first during 2009-2011 and again during the 2012-2013 time, facilitating the clonal expansion of this core-genogroup with AZMrs in the U.S. By tracking phylodynamic evolutionary trajectories of clades that share distinct demography as well as population-based genomic statistics, we demonstrate how recombination and selective pressures in the mtrCDE efflux operon granted a fitness advantage to establish ST-9363 as a successful gonococcal lineage in the U.S. and elsewhere. Although it is difficult to pinpoint the exact timing and emergence of this young core-genogroup, it remains critically important to continue monitoring it, as it could acquire additional resistance markers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandeep J Joseph
- Division of STD Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia-30329, USA
| | - Jesse C Thomas Iv
- Division of STD Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia-30329, USA
| | - Matthew W Schmerer
- Division of STD Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia-30329, USA
| | - Jack Cartee
- Division of STD Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia-30329, USA
| | - Sancta St Cyr
- Division of STD Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia-30329, USA
| | - Karen Schlanger
- Division of STD Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia-30329, USA
| | - Ellen N Kersh
- Division of STD Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia-30329, USA
| | - Brian H Raphael
- Division of STD Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia-30329, USA
| | - Kim M Gernert
- Division of STD Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia-30329, USA
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17
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Harrison OB, Maiden MCJ. Recent advances in understanding and combatting Neisseria gonorrhoeae: a genomic perspective. Fac Rev 2021; 10:65. [PMID: 34557869 PMCID: PMC8442004 DOI: 10.12703/r/10-65] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The sexually transmitted infection (STI) gonorrhoea remains a major global public health concern. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 87 million new cases in individuals who were 15 to 49 years of age occurred in 2016. The growing number of gonorrhoea cases is concerning given the rise in gonococci developing antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Therefore, a global action plan is needed to facilitate surveillance. Indeed, the WHO has made surveillance leading to the elimination of STIs (including gonorrhoea) a global health priority. The availability of whole genome sequence data offers new opportunities to combat gonorrhoea. This can be through (i) enhanced surveillance of the global prevalence of AMR, (ii) improved understanding of the population biology of the gonococcus, and (iii) opportunities to mine sequence data in the search for vaccine candidates. Here, we review the current status in Neisseria gonorrhoeae genomics. In particular, we explore how genomics continues to advance our understanding of this complex pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Odile B Harrison
- Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, The Peter Medawar Building, Oxford, UK
| | - Martin CJ Maiden
- Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, The Peter Medawar Building, Oxford, UK
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18
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Singh R, Kusalik A, Dillon JAR. Bioinformatics tools used for whole-genome sequencing analysis of Neisseria gonorrhoeae: a literature review. Brief Funct Genomics 2021; 21:78-89. [PMID: 34170311 DOI: 10.1093/bfgp/elab028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Revised: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) data are well established for the investigation of gonococcal transmission, antimicrobial resistance prediction, population structure determination and population dynamics. A variety of bioinformatics tools, repositories, services and platforms have been applied to manage and analyze Neisseria gonorrhoeae WGS datasets. This review provides an overview of the various bioinformatics approaches and resources used in 105 published studies (as of 30 April 2021). The challenges in the analysis of N. gonorrhoeae WGS datasets, as well as future bioinformatics requirements, are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reema Singh
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology
| | - Anthony Kusalik
- Department of Computer Science at the University of Saskatchewan
| | - Jo-Anne R Dillon
- Department of Biochemistry Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, c/o Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization, University of Saskatchewan, 120 Veterinary Road, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N5E3, Canada
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19
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Thomas JC, Joseph SJ, Cartee JC, Pham CD, Schmerer MW, Schlanger K, St Cyr SB, Kersh EN, Raphael BH. Phylogenomic analysis reveals persistence of gonococcal strains with reduced-susceptibility to extended-spectrum cephalosporins and mosaic penA-34. Nat Commun 2021; 12:3801. [PMID: 34155204 PMCID: PMC8217231 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-24072-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The recent emergence of strains of Neisseria gonorrhoeae associated with treatment failures to ceftriaxone, the foundation of current treatment options, has raised concerns over a future of untreatable gonorrhea. Current global data on gonococcal strains suggest that several lineages, predominately characterized by mosaic penA alleles, are associated with elevated minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) to extended spectrum cephalosporins (ESCs). Here we report on whole genome sequences of 813 N. gonorrhoeae isolates collected through the Gonococcal Isolate Surveillance Project in the United States. Phylogenomic analysis revealed that one persisting lineage (Clade A, multi-locus sequence type [MLST] ST1901) with mosaic penA-34 alleles, contained the majority of isolates with elevated MICs to ESCs. We provide evidence that an ancestor to the globally circulating MLST ST1901 clones potentially emerged around the early to mid-20th century (1944, credibility intervals [CI]: 1935-1953), predating the introduction of cephalosporins, but coinciding with the use of penicillin. Such results indicate that drugs with novel mechanisms of action are needed as these strains continue to persist and disseminate globally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesse C Thomas
- Division of STD Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA.
| | - Sandeep J Joseph
- Division of STD Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - John C Cartee
- Division of STD Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Cau D Pham
- Division of STD Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Matthew W Schmerer
- Division of STD Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Karen Schlanger
- Division of STD Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Sancta B St Cyr
- Division of STD Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Ellen N Kersh
- Division of STD Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Brian H Raphael
- Division of STD Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
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20
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Retchless AC, Chen A, Chang HY, Blain AE, McNamara LA, Mustapha MM, Harrison LH, Wang X. Using Neisseria meningitidis genomic diversity to inform outbreak strain identification. PLoS Pathog 2021; 17:e1009586. [PMID: 34003852 PMCID: PMC8177650 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1009586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2020] [Revised: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Meningococcal disease is a life-threatening illness caused by the human-restricted bacterium Neisseria meningitidis. Outbreaks in the USA involve at least two cases in an organization or community caused by the same serogroup within three months. Genome comparisons, including phylogenetic analysis and quantification of genome distances can provide confirmatory evidence of pathogen transmission during an outbreak. Interpreting genome distances depends on understanding their distribution both among isolates from outbreaks and among those not from outbreaks. Here, we identify outbreak strains based on phylogenetic relationships among 141 N. meningitidis isolates collected from 28 outbreaks in the USA during 2010-2017 and 1516 non-outbreak isolates collected through contemporaneous meningococcal surveillance. We show that genome distance thresholds based on the maximum SNPs and allele distances among isolates in the phylogenetically defined outbreak strains are sufficient to separate most pairs of non-outbreak isolates into separate strains. Non-outbreak isolate pairs that could not be distinguished from each other based on genetic distances were concentrated in the clonal complexes CC11, CC103, and CC32. Within each of these clonal complexes, phylodynamic analysis identified a group of isolates with extremely low diversity, collected over several years and multiple states. Clusters of isolates with low genetic diversity could indicate increased pathogen transmission, potentially resulting in local outbreaks or nationwide clonal expansions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam C. Retchless
- Division of Bacterial Diseases, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Alex Chen
- Division of Bacterial Diseases, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - How-Yi Chang
- Division of Bacterial Diseases, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Amy E. Blain
- Division of Bacterial Diseases, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Lucy A. McNamara
- Division of Bacterial Diseases, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Mustapha M. Mustapha
- Microbial Genomic Epidemiology Laboratory, Center for Genomic Epidemiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Lee H. Harrison
- Microbial Genomic Epidemiology Laboratory, Center for Genomic Epidemiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Xin Wang
- Division of Bacterial Diseases, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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21
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Sánchez-Busó L, Yeats CA, Taylor B, Goater RJ, Underwood A, Abudahab K, Argimón S, Ma KC, Mortimer TD, Golparian D, Cole MJ, Grad YH, Martin I, Raphael BH, Shafer WM, Town K, Wi T, Harris SR, Unemo M, Aanensen DM. A community-driven resource for genomic epidemiology and antimicrobial resistance prediction of Neisseria gonorrhoeae at Pathogenwatch. Genome Med 2021; 13:61. [PMID: 33875000 PMCID: PMC8054416 DOI: 10.1186/s13073-021-00858-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2020] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) Neisseria gonorrhoeae is an urgent threat to public health, as strains resistant to at least one of the two last-line antibiotics used in empiric therapy of gonorrhoea, ceftriaxone and azithromycin, have spread internationally. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) data can be used to identify new AMR clones and transmission networks and inform the development of point-of-care tests for antimicrobial susceptibility, novel antimicrobials and vaccines. Community-driven tools that provide an easy access to and analysis of genomic and epidemiological data is the way forward for public health surveillance. METHODS Here we present a public health-focussed scheme for genomic epidemiology of N. gonorrhoeae at Pathogenwatch ( https://pathogen.watch/ngonorrhoeae ). An international advisory group of experts in epidemiology, public health, genetics and genomics of N. gonorrhoeae was convened to inform on the utility of current and future analytics in the platform. We implement backwards compatibility with MLST, NG-MAST and NG-STAR typing schemes as well as an exhaustive library of genetic AMR determinants linked to a genotypic prediction of resistance to eight antibiotics. A collection of over 12,000 N. gonorrhoeae genome sequences from public archives has been quality-checked, assembled and made public together with available metadata for contextualization. RESULTS AMR prediction from genome data revealed specificity values over 99% for azithromycin, ciprofloxacin and ceftriaxone and sensitivity values around 99% for benzylpenicillin and tetracycline. A case study using the Pathogenwatch collection of N. gonorrhoeae public genomes showed the global expansion of an azithromycin-resistant lineage carrying a mosaic mtr over at least the last 10 years, emphasising the power of Pathogenwatch to explore and evaluate genomic epidemiology questions of public health concern. CONCLUSIONS The N. gonorrhoeae scheme in Pathogenwatch provides customised bioinformatic pipelines guided by expert opinion that can be adapted to public health agencies and departments with little expertise in bioinformatics and lower-resourced settings with internet connection but limited computational infrastructure. The advisory group will assess and identify ongoing public health needs in the field of gonorrhoea, particularly regarding gonococcal AMR, in order to further enhance utility with modified or new analytic methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonor Sánchez-Busó
- Centre for Genomic Pathogen Surveillance, Big Data Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, Oxfordshire, UK.
- Genomics and Health Area, Foundation for the Promotion of Health and Biomedical Research in the Valencian Community (FISABIO-Public Health), Valencia, Spain.
| | - Corin A Yeats
- Centre for Genomic Pathogen Surveillance, Big Data Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, Oxfordshire, UK
| | - Benjamin Taylor
- Centre for Genomic Pathogen Surveillance, Big Data Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, Oxfordshire, UK
- Centre for Genomic Pathogen Surveillance, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, UK
| | - Richard J Goater
- Centre for Genomic Pathogen Surveillance, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, UK
- European Molecular Biology Lab, Heidelberg, Baden-Wuerttemberg, Germany
| | - Anthony Underwood
- Centre for Genomic Pathogen Surveillance, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, UK
| | - Khalil Abudahab
- Centre for Genomic Pathogen Surveillance, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, UK
| | - Silvia Argimón
- Centre for Genomic Pathogen Surveillance, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, UK
| | - Kevin C Ma
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Tatum D Mortimer
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Daniel Golparian
- World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Gonorrhoea and Other STIs, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Michelle J Cole
- National Infection Service, Public Health England, London, UK
| | - Yonatan H Grad
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Irene Martin
- National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Brian H Raphael
- Division of STD prevention, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - William M Shafer
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology and Emory Antibiotic Resistance Center, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Laboratories of Bacterial Pathogenesis, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Decatur, GA, USA
| | - Katy Town
- Division of STD prevention, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Teodora Wi
- Department of the Global HIV, Hepatitis and STI Programmes, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Simon R Harris
- Microbiotica, Biodata Innovation Centre, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, UK
| | - Magnus Unemo
- World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Gonorrhoea and Other STIs, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | - David M Aanensen
- Centre for Genomic Pathogen Surveillance, Big Data Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, Oxfordshire, UK.
- Centre for Genomic Pathogen Surveillance, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, UK.
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22
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Yahara K, Ma KC, Mortimer TD, Shimuta K, Nakayama SI, Hirabayashi A, Suzuki M, Jinnai M, Ohya H, Kuroki T, Watanabe Y, Yasuda M, Deguchi T, Eldholm V, Harrison OB, Maiden MCJ, Grad YH, Ohnishi M. Emergence and evolution of antimicrobial resistance genes and mutations in Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Genome Med 2021; 13:51. [PMID: 33785063 PMCID: PMC8008663 DOI: 10.1186/s13073-021-00860-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2020] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Antimicrobial resistance in Neisseria gonorrhoeae is a global health concern. Strains from two internationally circulating sequence types, ST-7363 and ST-1901, have acquired resistance to third-generation cephalosporins, mainly due to mosaic penA alleles. These two STs were first detected in Japan; however, the timeline, mechanism, and process of emergence and spread of these mosaic penA alleles to other countries remain unknown. METHODS We studied the evolution of penA alleles by obtaining the complete genomes from three Japanese ST-1901 clinical isolates harboring mosaic penA allele 34 (penA-34) dating from 2005 and generating a phylogenetic representation of 1075 strains sampled from 35 countries. We also sequenced the genomes of 103 Japanese ST-7363 N. gonorrhoeae isolates from 1996 to 2005 and reconstructed a phylogeny including 88 previously sequenced genomes. RESULTS Based on an estimate of the time-of-emergence of ST-1901 (harboring mosaic penA-34) and ST-7363 (harboring mosaic penA-10), and > 300 additional genome sequences of Japanese strains representing multiple STs isolated in 1996-2015, we suggest that penA-34 in ST-1901 was generated from penA-10 via recombination with another Neisseria species, followed by recombination with a gonococcal strain harboring wildtype penA-1. Following the acquisition of penA-10 in ST-7363, a dominant sub-lineage rapidly acquired fluoroquinolone resistance mutations at GyrA 95 and ParC 87-88, by independent mutations rather than horizontal gene transfer. Data in the literature suggest that the emergence of these resistance determinants may reflect selection from the standard treatment regimens in Japan at that time. CONCLUSIONS Our findings highlight how antibiotic use and recombination across and within Neisseria species intersect in driving the emergence and spread of drug-resistant gonorrhea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koji Yahara
- Antimicrobial Resistance Research Center, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Kevin C Ma
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Tatum D Mortimer
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ken Shimuta
- Antimicrobial Resistance Research Center, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Bacteriology I, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shu-Ichi Nakayama
- Department of Bacteriology I, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Aki Hirabayashi
- Antimicrobial Resistance Research Center, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masato Suzuki
- Antimicrobial Resistance Research Center, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Michio Jinnai
- Department of Microbiology, Kanagawa Prefectural Institute of Public Health, Chigasaki, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Hitomi Ohya
- Department of Microbiology, Kanagawa Prefectural Institute of Public Health, Chigasaki, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Toshiro Kuroki
- Department of Microbiology, Kanagawa Prefectural Institute of Public Health, Chigasaki, Kanagawa, Japan
- Present address: Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Okayama University of Science, 1-3 Ikoinooka, Imabari, Ehime, 794-8555, Japan
| | - Yuko Watanabe
- Department of Microbiology, Kanagawa Prefectural Institute of Public Health, Chigasaki, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Mitsuru Yasuda
- Center for Nutrition Support and Infection Control, Gifu University Hospital, Gifu, Japan
| | - Takashi Deguchi
- Department of Urology, Kizawa Memorial Hospital, Gifu, Japan
| | - Vegard Eldholm
- Division of Infection Control and Environmental Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | | | | | - Yonatan H Grad
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Makoto Ohnishi
- Department of Bacteriology I, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan.
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23
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Pinto M, Borges V, Isidro J, Rodrigues JC, Vieira L, Borrego MJ, Gomes JP. Neisseria gonorrhoeae clustering to reveal major European whole-genome-sequencing-based genogroups in association with antimicrobial resistance. Microb Genom 2021; 7:000481. [PMID: 33245688 PMCID: PMC8208699 DOI: 10.1099/mgen.0.000481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 11/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Neisseria gonorrhoeae, the bacterium responsible for the sexually transmitted disease gonorrhoea, has shown an extraordinary ability to develop antimicrobial resistance (AMR) to multiple classes of antimicrobials. With no available vaccine, managing N. gonorrhoeae infections demands effective preventive measures, antibiotic treatment and epidemiological surveillance. The latter two are progressively being supported by the generation of whole-genome sequencing (WGS) data on behalf of national and international surveillance programmes. In this context, this study aims to perform N. gonorrhoeae clustering into genogroups based on WGS data, for enhanced prospective laboratory surveillance. Particularly, it aims to identify the major circulating WGS-genogroups in Europe and to establish a relationship between these and AMR. Ultimately, it enriches public databases by contributing with WGS data from Portuguese isolates spanning 15 years of surveillance. A total of 3791 carefully inspected N. gonorrhoeae genomes from isolates collected across Europe were analysed using a gene-by-gene approach (i.e. using cgMLST). Analysis of cluster composition and stability allowed the classification of isolates into a two-step hierarchical genogroup level determined by two allelic distance thresholds revealing cluster stability. Genogroup clustering in general agreed with available N. gonorrhoeae typing methods [i.e. MLST (multilocus sequence typing), NG-MAST (N. gonorrhoeae multi-antigen sequence typing) and PubMLST core-genome groups], highlighting the predominant genogroups circulating in Europe, and revealed that the vast majority of the genogroups present a dominant AMR profile. Additionally, a non-static gene-by-gene approach combined with a more discriminatory threshold for potential epidemiological linkage enabled us to match data with previous reports on outbreaks or transmission chains. In conclusion, this genogroup assignment allows a comprehensive analysis of N. gonorrhoeae genetic diversity and the identification of the WGS-based genogroups circulating in Europe, while facilitating the assessment (and continuous monitoring) of their frequency, geographical dispersion and potential association with specific AMR signatures. This strategy may benefit public-health actions through the prioritization of genogroups to be controlled, the identification of emerging resistance carriage, and the potential facilitation of data sharing and communication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Pinto
- Bioinformatics Unit, Department of Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Health, 1649-016 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Vítor Borges
- Bioinformatics Unit, Department of Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Health, 1649-016 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Joana Isidro
- Bioinformatics Unit, Department of Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Health, 1649-016 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - João Carlos Rodrigues
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Department of Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Health, 1649-016 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Luís Vieira
- Technology and Innovation Unit, Department of Human Genetics, National Institute of Health, Lisbon, Portugal
- Centre for Toxicogenomics and Human Health (ToxOmics), Genetics, Oncology and Human Toxicology, Nova Medical School/Faculty of Medical Sciences, New University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Maria José Borrego
- Reference Laboratory of Bacterial Sexually Transmitted Infections, Department of Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Health, 1649-016 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - João Paulo Gomes
- Bioinformatics Unit, Department of Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Health, 1649-016 Lisbon, Portugal
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24
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Osnes MN, Didelot X, de Korne-Elenbaas J, Alfsnes K, Brynildsrud OB, Syversen G, Nilsen ØJ, De Blasio BF, Caugant DA, Eldholm V. Sudden emergence of a Neisseria gonorrhoeae clade with reduced susceptibility to extended-spectrum cephalosporins, Norway. Microb Genom 2020; 6:mgen000480. [PMID: 33200978 PMCID: PMC8116678 DOI: 10.1099/mgen.0.000480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Neisseria gonorrhoeae multilocus sequence type (ST)-7827 emerged in a dramatic fashion in Norway in the period 2016-2018. Here, we aim to shed light on the provenance and expansion of this ST. ST-7827 was found to be polyphyletic, but the majority of members belonged to a monophyletic clade we termed PopPUNK cluster 7827 (PC-7827). In Norway, both PC-7827 and ST-7827 isolates were almost exclusively isolated from men. Phylogeographical analyses demonstrated an Asian origin of the genogroup, with multiple inferred exports to Europe and the USA. The genogroup was uniformly resistant to fluoroquinolones, and associated with reduced susceptibility to both azithromycin and the extended-spectrum cephalosporins (ESCs) cefixime and ceftriaxone. From a genetic background including the penA allele 13.001, associated with reduced ESC susceptibility, we identified repeated events of acquisition of porB alleles associated with further reduction in ceftriaxone susceptibility. Transmission of the strain was significantly reduced in Norway in 2019, but our results indicate the existence of a recently established global reservoir. The worrisome drug-resistance profile and rapid emergence of PC-7827 calls for close monitoring of the situation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magnus N. Osnes
- Division of Infection Control and Environmental Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Xavier Didelot
- School of Life Sciences and Department of Statistics, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | | | - Kristian Alfsnes
- Division of Infection Control and Environmental Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ola B. Brynildsrud
- Division of Infection Control and Environmental Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Gaute Syversen
- Department of Microbiology, Oslo University Hospital Ullevål, Oslo, Norway
| | - Øivind Jul Nilsen
- Division of Infection Control and Environmental Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Birgitte Freiesleben De Blasio
- Division of Infection Control and Environmental Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
- Oslo Centre for Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Department of Biostatistics, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Dominique A. Caugant
- Division of Infection Control and Environmental Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- AMR Centre, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Vegard Eldholm
- Division of Infection Control and Environmental Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
- AMR Centre, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
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25
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Cehovin A, Jolley KA, Maiden MCJ, Harrison OB, Tang CM. Association of Neisseria gonorrhoeae Plasmids With Distinct Lineages and The Economic Status of Their Country of Origin. J Infect Dis 2020; 222:1826-1836. [PMID: 32163577 PMCID: PMC7653084 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiaa003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2019] [Accepted: 01/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Plasmids are vehicles for horizontal gene transfer between bacteria, and in Neisseria gonorrhoeae plasmids can mediate high-level antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Using genomic and phylogenetic analyses, we show that plasmids are widespread in a collection of 3724 gonococcal isolates from 56 countries, and characterized the conjugative, β-lactamase and cryptic plasmids. We found that variants of the conjugative plasmid (which can mediate tetracycline resistance) and the β-lactamase plasmid expressing TEM-135 are associated with distinct gonococcal lineages. Furthermore, AMR plasmids are significantly more prevalent in gonococci from less wealthy countries, highlighting the need for further studies. More than 94% of gonococci possess the cryptic plasmid, with its absence correlated with the presence of a novel chromosomal type IV secretion system. Our results reveal the extent of plasmid-mediated AMR in the gonococcus, particularly in less wealthy countries, where diagnostic and therapeutic options can be limited, and highlight the risk of their global spread.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Cehovin
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Keith A Jolley
- Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | | | - Odile B Harrison
- Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Christoph M Tang
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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26
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Kahler CM. The Goldilocks Zone: Searching for a Phylogenetic Approach for the Recombinogenic Neisseria gonorrhoeae. J Infect Dis 2020; 222:1762-1763. [DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiaa079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2020] [Accepted: 02/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Charlene M Kahler
- The Marshall Center for Infectious Diseases Research and Training, Division of Infection and Immunity, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Australia
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