Evaluating the early diversification of Yersinia pestis and its phylogeographic expansion over 96 years of evolution in Madagascar.

ABSTRACT: Madagascar is the most plague-affected country globally, yet the phylogenetic diversity of Yersinia pestis in this country remains insufficiently characterized. In this study, we analyzed whole-genome sequences of 614 Y. pestis strains, with 141 strains newly sequenced, collected over 96 years across Madagascar. All isolates emerged in 1898 and belong to the phylogroup 1.ORI3, supporting a single introduction event to Madagascar, followed by local diversification. We identified 23 distinct subgroups, including eight previously undescribed. Although most novel subgroups were rarely detected or rapidly extinguished, the ɣ subgroup circulated between 2016 and 2019 in southeastern Madagascar-an area historically plague-free for 64 years. Our analysis revealed extensive strain diversity and sub

SUBMITTER: Randriantseheno LN 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12658076 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature