Publication: Whole-genome sequencing of multidrug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates from Myanmar
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Date
30/05/16
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Publisher
Elsevier
Abstract
Description
SETTING AND OBJECTIVES. Drug-resistant tuberculosis (TB) is a major health threat in Myanmar. We conducted an initial study to explore the potential utility of whole-genome sequencing (WGS) for the diagnosis and management of drug-resistant tuberculosis in Myanmar. METHODS. Fourteen multidrug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates were sequenced. Known resistance genes for a total of nine antibiotics that are commonly used in treatment of drug-susceptible and multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) in Myanmar were interrogated through WGS. RESULTS. All 14 isolates were MDR-TB consistent with the results of phenotypic drug susceptibility testing (DST) and the Beijing lineage predominated. Based on the results of WGS, nine of 14 isolates were potentially resistant to at least one of the drugs used in the standard MDR regimen, but for which phenotypic DST is not conducted in Myanmar. CONCLUSION. This study highlights a need for the introduction of second-line DST as part of routine diagnosis in Myanmar and new classes of TB drugs to construct effective regimens.