Genomic investigations unmask Mycoplasma amphoriforme, a new respiratory pathogen

Gillespie, S. H. et al. (2015) Genomic investigations unmask Mycoplasma amphoriforme, a new respiratory pathogen. Clinical Infectious Diseases, 60(3), pp. 381-388. (doi: 10.1093/cid/ciu820) (PMID:25344534) (PMCID:PMC4293396)

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Abstract

Background. Mycoplasma amphoriforme has been associated with infection in patients with primary antibody deficiency (PAD). Little is known about the natural history of infection with this organism and its ability to be transmitted in the community. Methods. The bacterial load was estimated in sequential sputum samples from 9 patients by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The genomes of all available isolates, originating from patients in the United Kingdom, France, and Tunisia, were sequenced along with the type strain. Genomic data were assembled and annotated, and a high-resolution phylogenetic tree was constructed. Results. By using high-resolution whole-genome sequencing (WGS) data, we show that patients can be chronically infected with M. amphoriforme manifesting as a relapsing-remitting bacterial load, interspersed by periods when the organism is undetectable. Importantly, we demonstrate transmission of strains within a clinical environment. Antibiotic resistance mutations accumulate in isolates taken from patients who received multiple courses of antibiotics. Conclusions. Mycoplasma amphoriforme isolates form a closely related species responsible for a chronic relapsing and remitting infection in PAD patients in the United Kingdom and from immunocompetent patients in other countries. We provide strong evidence of transmission between patients attending the same clinic, suggesting that screening and isolation may be necessary for susceptible patients. This work demonstrates the critical role that WGS can play in rapidly unraveling the biology of a novel pathogen.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Oravcova, Dr Katarina
Authors: Gillespie, S. H., Ling, C. L., Oravcova, K., Pinheiro, M., Wells, L., Bryant, J. M., McHugh, T. D., Bebear, C., Webster, D., Harris, S. R., Seth-Smith, H. M.B., and Thomson, N. R.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine
Journal Name:Clinical Infectious Diseases
Publisher:Oxford University Press
ISSN:1058-4838
ISSN (Online):1537-6591
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2014 The Authors
First Published:First published in Clinical Infectious Diseases 60(3):381-388
Publisher Policy:Reproduced under a Creative Commons License

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