Legionella pneumophila is the causative agent of Legionnaires’ disease, an acute pulmonary infection in humans. Several large outbreaks of Legionnaires’ disease occur every year, each one affecting hundreds of people and resulting in the death of about 10% of the affected population. For example, the Quebec City outbreak in 2012 resulted in 183 cases and 13 deaths. L. pneumophila is normally found in water systems, such as water distribution system, cooling towers, fountains, and spas. It is transmitted to human by inhalation of contaminated aerosols. To reduce the number of Legionnaires’ disease cases it is necessary to identify the source of the cases and initiate disinfection of the systems. The current methodologies do not offer enough resolution to do this efficiently. We are proposing to use whole genome sequencing to increase obtain the complete genomic signature of clinical and environmental strains isolated during an outbreak to improve our ability to find the true source of an outbreak. This will allow us to initiate appropriate corrective action and reduce the cost and burden of Legionnaires’ disease.
Genome Centre: Génome Québec
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| Mylène | Drouin | Direction régionale de santé publique de Montréal |