Identification of a Drug-Resistant Strain of Tuberculosis
Author Information
Author(s): Pablo Bifani, Barun Mathema, Martha Campo, Soraya Moghazeh, Beth Nivin, Elena Shashkina, Jeffrey Driscoll, Sonal S. Munsiff, Richard Frothingham, Barry N. Kreiswirth
Primary Institution: Public Health Research Institute Tuberculosis Center
Hypothesis
The study investigates the molecular characteristics and resistance patterns of the W14 group of Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains.
Conclusion
The W14 group of Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains is characterized by high levels of streptomycin resistance and a unique genetic mutation.
Supporting Evidence
- All W14 group members have high levels of streptomycin resistance.
- Patients infected with the W14 group were primarily of non-Hispanic black origin.
- 84% of the patients had at least one known risk factor for tuberculosis.
Takeaway
Researchers found a group of tuberculosis bacteria that are very resistant to a medicine called streptomycin, and they all share a specific genetic change.
Methodology
The study used multiple genetic techniques, including IS6110 fingerprinting, spoligotyping, and VNTR analysis, to identify and characterize the W14 group of strains.
Limitations
The study's sample reflects a convenience sample and lacks established epidemiologic links among patients.
Participant Demographics
{"mean_age":40,"age_range":"1 to 83 years","race":{"non_hispanic_black":77,"hispanic_white":18,"asian":5},"country_of_birth":"US","hiv_positive":74}
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