Whole genome sequencing identifies circulating Beijing-lineage Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains in Guatemala and an associated urban outbreak.

Journal Article (Journal Article)

Limited data are available regarding the molecular epidemiology of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) strains circulating in Guatemala. Beijing-lineage Mtb strains have gained prevalence worldwide and are associated with increased virulence and drug resistance, but there have been only a few cases reported in Central America. Here we report the first whole genome sequencing of Central American Beijing-lineage strains of Mtb. We find that multiple Beijing-lineage strains, derived from independent founding events, are currently circulating in Guatemala, but overall still represent a relatively small proportion of disease burden. Finally, we identify a specific Beijing-lineage outbreak centered on a poor neighborhood in Guatemala City.

Full Text

Duke Authors

Cited Authors

  • Saelens, JW; Lau-Bonilla, D; Moller, A; Medina, N; Guzmán, B; Calderón, M; Herrera, R; Sisk, DM; Xet-Mull, AM; Stout, JE; Arathoon, E; Samayoa, B; Tobin, DM

Published Date

  • December 2015

Published In

Volume / Issue

  • 95 / 6

Start / End Page

  • 810 - 816

PubMed ID

  • 26542222

Pubmed Central ID

  • PMC4672993

Electronic International Standard Serial Number (EISSN)

  • 1873-281X

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

  • 10.1016/j.tube.2015.09.001

Language

  • eng

Conference Location

  • Scotland