The use of genome sequencing to investigate an outbreak of hospital‐acquired mucormycosis in transplant patients. Issue 5 (13th September 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Marek, Caitlyn; Croxen, Matthew A.; Dingle, Tanis C.; Bharat, Amrita; Schwartz, Ilan S.; Wiens, Rhoda; Smith, Stephanie
• Is Part Of: Transplant infectious disease. Volume 21:Issue 5(2019)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2019-09-13
• Subjects: disease outbreaks -- infection control -- Mucorales -- mucormycosis -- Rhizomucor -- whole genome sequencing; Transplantation of organs, tissues, etc -- Complications -- Periodicals; Communicable diseases -- Periodicals; Infection -- Periodicals; 617.01
• DOI: 10.1111/tid.13163
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1398-2273

Abstract

Abstract: We report three cases of hospital‐acquired mucormycosis in heart and lung transplant patients over a 6‐month period. Traditional epidemiological investigation tools were used to look for a common link between patients to explain the outbreak. Genome sequencing of each fungal strain was used to supplement the investigation. By disproving a close genetic link between infecting strains of mucormycosis, we were able to conclude the outbreak investigation. Genome sequencing is a novel tool that can be used in addition to traditional epidemiologic investigations to help determine linkage of patients during outbreak investigations.