Mycobacterium tuberculosis Cluster with Drug Resistance in New York City
Author Information
Author(s): Perri Bianca R., Proops Douglas, Moonan Patrick K., Munsiff Sonal S., Kreiswirth Barry N., Kurepina Natalia, Goranson Christopher, Ahuja Shama D.
Primary Institution: New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
Hypothesis
What are the transmission dynamics and characteristics of a Mycobacterium tuberculosis cluster with developing drug resistance in New York City from 2003 to 2009?
Conclusion
The investigation revealed that isoniazid resistance emerged in a significant portion of the tuberculosis cases, primarily among US-born patients with a history of illegal drug use.
Supporting Evidence
- 54 cases of tuberculosis were identified in a cluster from 2003 to 2009.
- 31% of patients had isoniazid-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
- Greater proportions of isoniazid-resistant patients were US born and had a history of illegal drug use.
Takeaway
Researchers found a group of tuberculosis patients in New York City who had a strain of the bacteria that was becoming resistant to treatment, especially among those who used drugs.
Methodology
The study involved identifying and analyzing cases of tuberculosis, conducting contact investigations, and using molecular genotyping methods to understand transmission links.
Potential Biases
Patients may have used aliases or not remembered contacts, complicating the investigation.
Limitations
The study faced challenges in identifying transmission chains due to patients' reluctance to disclose contacts, particularly related to illegal activities.
Participant Demographics
The median age of patients was 41 years, with 74% being non-Hispanic black and 69% male; 82% of isoniazid-resistant patients were US born.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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