Phylogenetic analysis of Streptococcus pneumoniae using whole genome sequencing data

Streptococcus pneumoniae is an important pathogen causing infections in children and elderly. One of the most important virulence factors of Streptococcus pneumoniae is its capsule. To date, over 100 capsule types (serotypes) had been described with varying pathogenicity. The purpose of this study is to use whole genome sequencing (WGS) data to gain views of the genetic diversity, identify mutation hot spots and to better understand the evolutionary dynamics.