Convergent genetic evolution within Burkholderia multivorans chronic infections correlates with lung function decline in cystic fibrosis patients
The patterns and pathways of pathogen adaptation during chronic infections can reveal the gateways microbes must unlock to colonize and persist. In chronic lung infections of cystic fibrosis (CF) patients, a longtime goal has been to anticipate disease outcome and to improve treatment. Understanding of these processes for Burkholderia multivorans, the most prevalent CF pathogen of the…
Burkholderia multivorans, the primary pathogen in the Burkholderia cepacia complex, has been found to exhibit convergent genetic evolution during chronic lung infections in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients. This discovery, made by studying seven strains from eight CF patients over a period of 7-17 years, suggests that regardless of their origins, the pathogens followed similar evolutionary patterns.
Each infection initially diversified, but eventually, a dominant clade emerged. Remarkably, the key mutations that defined these prevalent lineages also impacted several global regulators, leading to parallel alterations in crucial bacterial phenotypes. These changes included lipid metabolism, immune evasion, antibiotic resistance, biofilm production, and survival under low oxygen conditions.
The presence of a dominant lineage within an infection, rather than specific mutations, was strongly associated with a faster decline in the patient's lung function. This study emphasizes the significance of integrating data from both pathogens and hosts to better understand how bacterial adaptation relates to disease progression and to discover ways to strengthen the host's defense mechanisms.
Written by urgent.news from bioRxiv's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
