Global genomic diversity of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in bronchiectasis

N. E. Harrington (Lead / Corresponding author), A. Kottara, K. Cagney, M. J. Shepherd, E. M. Grimsey, T. Fu, R. C. Hull, C. E. Chong, K. S. Baker, D. Z. Childs, J. L. Fothergill, J. D. Chalmers, M. A. Brockhurst, S. Paterson

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Abstract

Objectives 

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is the most common pathogen in the bronchiectasis lung, associated with worsened outcomes. P. aeruginosa genomic studies in this context have been limited to single-country, European studies. We aimed to determine strain diversity, adaptation mechanisms, and AMR features to better inform treatment. 

Methods

P. aeruginosa from 180 bronchiectasis patients in 15 countries, obtained prior to a phase 3, randomised clinical trial (ORBIT-3), were analysed by whole-genome sequencing. Phylogenetic groups and sequence types were determined, and between versus within patient genetic diversity compared using Analysis of Molecular Variance (AMOVA). The frequency of AMR-associated genes and mutations was also determined. 

Results 

A total of 2854 P. aeruginosa isolates were analysed, predominantly belonging to phylogenetic group 1 (83%, n = 2359). Genetic diversity was far greater between than within patients, responsible for >99.9% of total diversity (AMOVA: phylogroup 1: df = 145, P < 0.01). Numerous pathways were under selection, some shared with CF (e.g., motility, iron acquisition), some unique to bronchiectasis (e.g., novel efflux pump PA1874). Multidrug resistance features were also frequent. 

Conclusions 

We present a 10-fold increase in the availability of genomic data for P. aeruginosa in bronchiectasis, highlighting key distinctions with cystic fibrosis and potential targets for future treatments.

Original languageEnglish
Article number106275
Number of pages10
JournalJournal of Infection
Volume89
Issue number5
Early online date23 Sept 2024
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Nov 2024

Keywords

  • Bacterial
  • Bacterial infections
  • Bronchiectasis
  • Drug resistance
  • Genetic variation
  • Lung
  • Pseudomonas aeruginosa
  • Whole genome sequencing

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Microbiology (medical)
  • Infectious Diseases

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