Using phylogenomic analysis, we provide genomic epidemiology analysis of a large blastomycosis outbreak in Ontario, Canada, caused by Blastomyces gilchristii. The outbreak occurred in a locale where blastomycosis is rarely diagnosed, signaling a possible shift in geographically associated incidence patterns. Results elucidated fungal population genetic structure, enhancing understanding of the outbreak.
Keywords: Blastomyces gilchristii; Canada; MycoSNP; Ontario; blastomycosis; dimorphic fungi; fungi; genomic epidemiology; outbreak; respiratory infections.