P484 Expanding VGVI—evidence for distinct Cryptococcus gattii (decagattii) endemic to the American Southwest

POSTER SESSION 1, SEPTEMBER 21, 2022, 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM: OBJECTIVES: We aimed to understand the nature of autochthonous Cryptococcus gattii clinical and veterinary cases identified in Arizona, a state in the American Southwest, a locale well outside of the known endemic regions. METHODS: Whole-genome sequencing and phylogenomic comparative analyses were conducted on four unrelated isolates collected from recent cases along with other relevant C. gattii genomes. RESULTS: Phylogenomic analysis grouped the Arizona genomes with a previously known set of Mexican isolate genomes, labelled as VGVI or C. decagattii. These genomes are clearly delineated from the nearest major molecular type (VGIII), but show no recombination with other molecular types or species of C. gattii. See Figures below. CONCLUSION: These findings expand VGVI into a definitive clade and establish this molecular type as a clinically important and distinct population. These findings also expand the known Cryptococcus ecological range into a previously unrecognized endemic area, typified by extreme heat and aridity.