Detection of single nucleotide mutations unique to the Wisconsin outbreak strains of Elizabethkinia anophelis

Abstract

An unusually large outbreak of the emerging opportunistic pathogen Elizabethkingia anophelis occurred in southeastern Wisconsin starting in late 2015. The strains involved in this outbreak seemed to spread more easily than usual then typical E. anophelis strains, and treatment appeared to be more difficult. The genetic homogeneity of the strains involved in this outbreak allows for comparative genomic analysis aimed at uncovering abnormalities within these strains. This study aims to detect single nucleotide mutations potentially linked to the severity of this outbreak. Using core genome analysis and variant calling, sixty-four single nucleotide mutations unique to the Wisconsin outbreak strains were detected and analyzed for potential functional effects. Several of these mutations were found to potentially affect genes involved in virulence-related processes such as antibiotic resistance, biofilm formation, and oxidative stress response. While the effects of these mutations cannot be fully elucidated in this research, targeted in vitro or in vivo analyses of these mutations may further our understanding of the epidemiology of the Wisconsin Elizabethkingia outbreak.