Whole-genome sequencing of Burkholderia pseudomallei from Darwin, northern Australia reveals a fine-scale population structure and localised spatial clustering in the environment

This study examined the distribution and local population structure of B. pseudomallei isolates from urban Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia by sampling soil and land runoff throughout the city centre and performing whole-genome sequencing (WGS) and multi-locus sequence typing (MLST) on cultured isolates. By combining comparative genomics, Bayesian clustering and “hot spot analysis” our results demonstrated that some sequence types (STs) are more established in the urban Darwin environment despite the high degree of genetic diversity. Moreover, we identified distinct genetic populations of B. pseudomallei and highly localised spatial clustering of populations over a remarkably small geographic scale. Collectively, knowledge gained from this study will allow for better understanding of B. pseudomallei phylogeography and melioidosis source attribution, which may help to develop preventative public health measures throughout endemic areas.