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Time Series Genomics of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Reveals the Emergence of a Hypermutator Phenotype and Within-Host Evolution in Clinical Inpatients

Year: 2022

Type: article

Abstract: Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a predominant opportunistic pathogen that causes nosocomial infections. Inappropriate empirical therapy can lead to prolonged hospital stays and increased mortality. In our study of sequential P. aeruginosa isolates from inpatients, high intrahost diversity was observed, including switching of clones and the emergence of a hypermutator phenotype. Recurrently mutated genes also suggested that convergent microevolution and adaption of P. aeruginosa occur in inpatients, and genomic diversity is associated with differences in multiple-drug-resistance profiles. Taken together, our findings highlight the importance of longitudinal surveillance of nosocomial P. aeruginosa clones.

Source: Microbiology Spectrum

DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.00057-22