Multicountry genomic analysis underscores regional cholera spread in Africa
Abstract
Abstract Cholera remains a significant public health burden in many countries in sub-Saharan Africa, though the exact mechanisms of bacterial emergence and spread remain largely undefined. We generated genomic data from 763 Vibrio cholerae O1 isolates predominantly collected between 2019-2024 to create the largest dataset of V. cholerae genomes sequenced locally in Africa. This dataset enabled us to interrogate recent patterns of spread, including the rapid circulation of the AFR15 lineage associated with unusually large outbreaks in Southern Africa. We provide evidence for the movement of the AFR15 lineage into new African Union Member States and confirm previously observed differences in V. cholerae transmission dynamics in West versus East Africa, though cross-border transmission is prevalent on both sides of the continent. Despite observed differences, evolutionary processes are similar across lineages and we find no evidence for significant changes in antimicrobial resistance genotypes. Overall, our findings emphasize the importance of regionally coordinated cross-border surveillance and interventions, while also demonstrating the critical role of locally generated genomic data in understanding the spread of cholera in Africa.
Article Details
Authors (53)
Gerald Mboowa
Nathaniel Lucero Matteson
Collins Kipngetich Tanui
Mpanga Kasonde
Guyguy Kusanzangana Kamwiziku
Olusola Anuoluwapo Akanbi
Jucunú Johane Elias Chitio
Mathews Kagoli
René Ghislain Essomba
Alisen Ayitewala
Isaac Ssewanyana
Adrienne Aziza Amuri
Andrew S. Azman
Olajumoke Atinuke Babatunde
Blaise Mboringong Akenji
Anaïs Broban
Espoir Bwenge Malembaka
Catholic University of Bukavu, Bukavu, Democratic Republic of Congo
Francis Ongole
Chimaobi Emmanuel Chukwu
Nalia Ismael
Otridah Kapona
Osvaldo Laurindo
Placide Kingebeni Mbala
Georges Alain Etoundi Mballa
Imelda Carlos Zulfa Miambo
Alex Ansaye Mwanyongo
Grace Najjuka
Joseph Mutale
Kunda Musonda
Allan Muruta Niyonzima
Mirriam Ethel Nyenje
Michael Popoola
Doreen Mainza Shempela
Christiane Medi Sike
Sofião Manjor Sitoe
Dorcas Waruguru Wanjohi
Placide Okitayemba Welo
Mtisunge Yelewa
Sebastian Yennan
Lucius Ziba
Valentina Josiane Ngo Bitoungui
Joseph Ephram Bitilinyu-Bangoh
Roma Chilengi
Hamsatou Hadja
Jide Idris
José Paulo Maurício Langa
Daniel Mukadi-Bamuleka
Institut National de Recherche Biomédicale, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
Susan Nabadda
Amanda K. Debes
David A. Sack
Yenew Kebede Tebeje
Shirlee Wohl
Sofonias Kifle Tessema