Genomic Diversity and Antimicrobial Resistance ofVibrio choleraeIsolates from Africa: A PulseNet Africa Initiative Using Nanopore Sequencing to Enhance Genomic Surveillance
Authors: Foster-Nyarko Ebenezer , Able-Thomas Shola , Adade Nana Eghele , Adade Rexford , Anne Jean Claude Blessa , Antwi Loretta , Bah Yaya , Boateng Gifty , Carleton Heather , Chaima David , Chilengi Roma , Coulibaly Kalpy Julien , Derra Firehiwot Abera , Didon Dwayne , Dimuna Cheelo , Dosso Mireille , Drammeh Momodou M. , Ferjani Sana , Holt Kathryn E. , Jatta Rohey , Kalule John Bosco , Kanteh Abdoulie , Kette Hortense Faye , Khan Dam , Kouadio N’da Kouame Nazaire , Lee Christine , Mantina Hamakwa , Mulenga Gillan , Mwaba John , Nyang Fatou , Owusu-Okyere Godfred , Rowland Jessica , Seck Aissatou , Sesay Abdul Karim , Smith Anthony , Smith Peyton , Soma Djifahamaï , Tau Nomsa , Tchuinte Pierrette Landrie Simo , Tientcheu Peggy-Estelle Maguiagueu , Sokoni Chalwe , Vakou Sabine N’dri , Vubil Delfino ,   PulseNet Africa
Published: December 2024

Objectives

Vibrio choleraeremains a significant public health threat in Africa, with antimicrobial resistance (AMR) complicating treatment. This study leverages whole-genome sequencing (WGS) ofV. choleraeisolates from Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Zambia and South Africa to assess genomic diversity, AMR profiles, and virulence, demonstrating the utility of WGS for enhanced surveillance within the PulseNet Africa network.

Methods

We analysedVibrioisolates from clinical and environmental sources (2010–2024) using Oxford Nanopore sequencing and hybracter assembly. Phylogenetic analysis, multilocus sequence typing (MLST), virulence and AMR gene detection were performed using Terra, Pathogenwatch, and Cloud Infrastructure for Microbial Bioinformatics (CLMB) platforms, with comparisons against 88 global reference genomes for broader genomic context.

Results

Of 79 high-quality assemblies, 67 were confirmed asV. cholerae, with serogroup O1 accounting for the majority (43/67, 67%). ST69 accounted for 60% (40/67) of isolates, with eight sequence types identified overall. Thirty-seven isolates formed novel sub-clades within AFR12 and AFR15 O1 lineages, suggesting local clonal expansions. AMR gene analysis revealed high resistance to trimethoprim (96%) and quinolones (83%), while resistance to azithromycin, rifampicin, and tetracycline remained low (≤7%). A significant proportion of the serogroup O1 isolates (41/43, 95%) harboured resistance genes in at least three antibiotic classes.

Conclusions

This study highlights significant genetic diversity and AMR prevalence in AfricanV. choleraeisolates, with expanding AFR12 and AFR15 clades in the region. The widespread resistance to trimethoprim and quinolones raises concerns for treatment efficacy, although azithromycin and tetracycline remain viable options. WGS enables precise identification of species and genotyping, reinforcing PulseNet Africa’s pivotal role in advancing genomic surveillance and enabling timely public health responses to cholera outbreaks.

Data summary

All supporting data and protocols have been provided within the article or as supplementary data files. The ONT reads have been deposited under BioProject accession PRJNA1192988, while the high-qualityVibriospp. assemblies have been shared via figshare (Foster-Nyarko, Ebenezer (2024). Genomic Diversity and Antimicrobial Resistance of Vibrio spp. Isolates from Africa: A PulseNet Africa Initiative Using Nanopore Sequencing to Enhance Genomic Surveillance. figshare. Dataset.https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.27941376.v1). Individual accession numbers for these reads and Biosample IDs are provided inFile S2,available with the online version of this article. The accession numbers for the 88 reference genome assemblies included in our analysis are also provided inFile S3.

Impact statement

Cholera remains a significant public health challenge in Africa, disproportionately affecting the region due to the ongoing transmission ofVibrio choleraeO1 and the emergence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). This study demonstrates the utility of Oxford Nanopore Technology (ONT) sequencing in providing high-resolution insights into the genomic diversity, transmission dynamics, and AMR profiles ofV. choleraeisolates across Africa. By generating and analysing whole-genome sequences, we identified novel sublineages, high prevalence rates of AMR genes, and virulence traits critical to cholera pathogenesis. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the epidemiology and evolution ofV. choleraein Africa, informing targeted intervention strategies.

Furthermore, the study highlights the growing threat posed by AMR amongV. choleraeisolates, including resistance to key therapeutic antibiotics, such as quinolones and trimethoprim, which could undermine current treatment protocols. Despite this, the absence of resistance to azithromycin and rifampicin among the O1 isolates suggests these drugs may remain viable treatment options, offering a critical avenue for preserving treatment efficacy.

This research also underscores the importance of sustained genomic surveillance, capacity building, and regional collaboration to mitigate the public health impact of cholera and other foodborne pathogens. By leveraging WGS technologies and training initiatives, such as the PulseNet Africa genomics workshop, this study provides a framework for strengthening regional capacities to detect, monitor, and respond to cholera outbreaks and the spread of AMR. These efforts align with the African Union and Africa CDC’s strategic priorities on health security and AMR, contributing to improved public health systems and cholera control across the continent.