Genomic Epidemiology of Large Blastomycosis Outbreak, Ontario, Canada, 2021

Abstract

Using phylogenomic analysis, we provide genomic epidemiology analysis of a large blastomycosis outbreak in Ontario, Canada, caused by Blastomyces gilchristii. The outbreak occurred in a locale where blastomycosis is rarely diagnosed, signaling a possible shift in geographically associated incidence patterns. Results elucidated fungal population genetic structure, enhancing understanding of the outbreak.

Keywords

• blastomycosis
• genomic epidemiology
• outbreak
• Blastomyces gilchristii
• MycoSNP
• dimorphic fungi