Exploring Clonality and Virulence Gene Associations in Bloodstream Infections Using Whole-genome Sequencing and Clinical Data

Overview

Journal Front Cell Infect Microbiol

Specialties Cell Biology
Infectious Diseases
Microbiology

Date 2023 Nov 30

PMID 38035332

Authors

Claudio Neidhofer

Marcel Neuenhoff

Robert Jozic

Brenda Atangcho

Sandra Unsleber

Ulrike Neder

Silke Grumaz

Marijo Parcina

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Background: Bloodstream infections (BSIs) remain a significant cause of mortality worldwide. Causative pathogens are routinely identified and susceptibility tested but only very rarely investigated for their resistance genes, virulence factors, and clonality. Our aim was to gain insight into the clonality patterns of different species causing BSI and the clinical relevance of distinct virulence genes.

Methods: For this study, we whole-genome-sequenced over 400 randomly selected important pathogens isolated from blood cultures in our diagnostic department between 2016 and 2021. Genomic data on virulence factors, resistance genes, and clonality were cross-linked with data and demographic and clinical information.

Results: The investigation yielded extensive and informative data on the distribution of genes implicated in BSI as well as on the clonality of isolates across various species.

Conclusion: Associations between survival outcomes and the presence of specific genes must be interpreted with caution, and conducting replication studies with larger sample sizes for each species appears mandatory. Likewise, a deeper knowledge of virulence and host factors will aid in the interpretation of results and might lead to more targeted therapeutic and preventive measures. Monitoring transmission dynamics more efficiently holds promise to serve as a valuable tool in preventing in particular BSI caused by nosocomial pathogens.

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