Whole genome study and construction of SHERLOCK detection method for endemic strains of Burkholderia pseudomallei in Hainan based on third-generation sequencing.

Burkholderia pseudomallei (Bp) is a gram-negative bacterium found in soil and surface water. It is also the pathogen that causes melioidosis disease in humans and animals. This study aimed to obtain the whole genome sequence of the endemic strain of Bp in Hainan, using third-generation sequencing (TGS) technology, and elucidate the genome structure, function, and genetic evolution. Additionally, the study aimed to achieve rapid and specific identification of these endemic strains using specific high-sensitivity enzymatic reporter unlocking (SHERLOCK) detection technology, providing a new strategy for the early diagnosis of melioidosis. Utilizing the PacBio platform for TGS technology, we completed whole genome sequencing of 16 Bp strains from Hainan. High-precision and complete genome sequences were obtained through quality control and genome assembly of the sequencing data. Additionally, we established a nucleic acid detection technology platform based on SHERLOCK, which could be completed from nucleic acid extraction to result reading within 1-2 hours, demonstrating good sensitivity and specificity (both are 100%). The lateral chromatography strip method does not require special equipment and holds promise as an immediate screening method for the early diagnosis of melioidosis.

Importance: Melioidosis is a highly pathogenic infectious disease caused by a gram-negative bacterium of Burkholderia pseudomallei (Bp). The traditional gold standard for diagnosing melioidosis is still isolation and culture from clinical samples. Although this method has high specificity, it has low sensitivity and is time-consuming, which often leads to misdiagnosis or missed diagnosis of melioidosis, affecting subsequent treatment. In this study, recombinase polymerase amplification technology and clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/Cas13a technology were combined to establish the Specific High-sensitivity Enzymatic Reporter Unlocking detection technology, which can achieve rapid and accurate identification of Bp, providing a new method for the early diagnosis of melioidosis.