Core genome based phylogenetic analysis of Tunisian B. pertussis isolates. Genomic analysis of Tunisian B. pertussis isolates

An increase in pertussis cases in some countries has been linked to genetic changes in circulating Bordetella pertussis isolates and pathogen adaptation to pertussis vaccines, amongst others. We have conducted genomic analyses of strains isolated during the 2014 epidemic in Tunisia and compared them to vaccine strains of Serum Institute of India (manufacturer of whole cell pertussis vaccine used in Tunisia) and isolates circulating in countries using the acellular vaccine, including France, UK and USA. Comparative genomic analysis was based on a core genome multi locus sequence typing scheme comprising 2038 loci. We show that Tunisian isolates are closely related to each other and to those circulating worldwide despite the use of different pertussis vaccines.