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Phylogeography and molecular epidemiology of Yersinia pestis in Madagascar

Vogler, Amy J. and Chan, Fabien and Wagner, David M. and Roumagnac, Philippe and Lee, Judy and Nera, Roxanne and Eppinger, Mark and Ravel, Jacques and Rahalison, Lila and Rasoamanana, Bruno W. and Beckstrom-Sternberg, Stephen M. and Achtman, Mark and Chanteau, Suzanne and Keim, Paul (2011) Phylogeography and molecular epidemiology of Yersinia pestis in Madagascar. PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases, 5 (9). e1319. ISSN 1935-2727

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Publisher’s or external URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pntd.0001319

Abstract

Background - Plague was introduced to Madagascar in 1898 and continues to be a significant human health problem. It exists mainly in the central highlands, but in the 1990s was reintroduced to the port city of Mahajanga, where it caused extensive human outbreaks. Despite its prevalence, the phylogeography and molecular epidemiology of Y. pestis in Madagascar has been difficult to study due to the great genetic similarity among isolates. We examine island-wide geographic-genetic patterns based upon whole-genome discovery of SNPs, SNP genotyping and hypervariable variable-number tandem repeat (VNTR) loci to gain insight into the maintenance and spread of Y. pestis in Madagascar. Methodology/Principal Findings - We analyzed a set of 262 Malagasy isolates using a set of 56 SNPs and a 43-locus multi-locus VNTR analysis (MLVA) system. We then analyzed the geographic distribution of the subclades and identified patterns related to the maintenance and spread of plague in Madagascar. We find relatively high levels of VNTR diversity in addition to several SNP differences. We identify two major groups, Groups I and II, which are subsequently divided into 11 and 4 subclades, respectively. Y. pestis appears to be maintained in several geographically separate subpopulations. There is also evidence for multiple long distance transfers of Y. pestis, likely human mediated. Such transfers have resulted in the reintroduction and establishment of plague in the port city of Mahajanga, where there is evidence for multiple transfers both from and to the central highlands. Conclusions/Significance - The maintenance and spread of Y. pestis in Madagascar is a dynamic and highly active process that relies on the natural cycle between the primary host, the black rat, and its flea vectors as well as human activity.

Item Type: Article
ID number or DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0001319
Keywords: Yersinia pestis; plague; global distribution; Phylogeography; Molecular Epidemiology; Y. pestis; Madagascar;
Subjects: Q Science > QR Microbiology
NAU Depositing Author Academic Status: Faculty/Staff
Department/Unit: Research Centers > Center for Microbial Genetics and Genomics
Date Deposited: 18 Oct 2015 19:35
URI: http://openknowledge.nau.edu/id/eprint/1747

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