Molecular Epidemiology of Geographically DispersedVibrio cholerae, Kenya, January 2009–May 2010

• DOI: 10.3201/eid1806.111774
• Publication Date: 2012-05-10T19:15:11Z
• Authors: Ahmed Abade Mohamed; Joseph Oundo; Samuel M. Kariuki; Hamadi I. Boga; Shanaz K. Sharif; Willis Akhwale; Jared Omolo; Anyangu S. Amwayi; David Mutonga; David Kareko; Mercy Njeru; Shan Li; Robert F. Breiman; O. Colin Stine
• Keywords: Cholera; Molecular Epidemiology; El Tor

Numerous outbreaks of cholera have occurred in Kenya since 1971. To more fully understand the epidemiology Kenya, we analyzed genetic relationships among 170 Vibrio cholerae O1 isolates at 5 loci containing variable tandem repeats. The were collected during January 2009-May 2010 from various geographic areas throughout country. grouped genetically into clonal complexes, each comprising a series genotypes that differed by an allelic change single locus. No obvious correlation between locations and their was observed. Nevertheless, differentiation complexes occurred. Our analyses showed multiple lineages V. simultaneously infecting persons Kenya. This finding is consistent with simultaneous emergence distinct endemic environmental reservoirs rather than recent introduction spread travelers.