PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases (Jun 2018)

Molecular characterization of Vibrio cholerae responsible for cholera epidemics in Uganda by PCR, MLVA and WGS.

  • Godfrey Bwire,
  • David A Sack,
  • Mathieu Almeida,
  • Shan Li,
  • Joseph B Voeglein,
  • Amanda Kay Debes,
  • Atek Kagirita,
  • Ambrose Wabwire Buyinza,
  • Christopher Garimoi Orach,
  • O Colin Stine

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pntd.0006492
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 12, no. 6
p. e0006492

Abstract

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BACKGROUND:For almost 50 years sub-Saharan Africa, including Uganda, has experienced several outbreaks due to Vibrio cholerae. Our aim was to determine the genetic relatedness and spread of strains responsible for cholera outbreaks in Uganda. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS:Sixty-three V. cholerae isolates collected from outbreaks in Uganda between 2014 and 2016 were tested using multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR), multi-locus variable number of tandem repeat analysis (MLVA) and whole genome sequencing (WGS). Three closely related MLVA clonal complexes (CC) were identified: CC1, 32% (20/63); CC2, 40% (25/63) and CC3, 28% (18/63). Each CC contained isolates from a different WGS clade. These clades were contained in the third wave of the 7th cholera pandemic strain, two clades were contained in the transmission event (T)10 lineage and other in T13. Analysing the dates and genetic relatedness revealed that V. cholerae genetic lineages spread between districts within Uganda and across national borders. CONCLUSION:The V. cholerae strains showed local and regional transmission within Uganda and the East African region. To prevent, control and eliminate cholera, these countries should implement strong cross-border collaboration and regional coordination of preventive activities.