Within-host population dynamics of extensively drug-resistant <i>Mycobacterium tuberculosis</i> revealed by an over 3-year longitudinal study.

ABSTRACT:

Background and objectives

Drug resistance is a major contributor to tuberculosis (TB) deaths worldwide. Understanding the dynamics of in-host evolution of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) drug resistance can help to improve treatment success rates.

Methodology

The microevolution of drug-resistant MTB was studied in three patients with long-standing, extensively drug-resistant TB (XDR-TB) by analyzing whole genome sequences of serial isolates collected during treatment.

Results

We identified three patterns of in vivo MTB microevolution during long-term, ineffective treatment: (i) new drug-resistant subpopulations emerge and compete with other subpopulations during treatment; (ii) drug resistance profiles remaining stable without the emergence of new drug-

SUBMITTER: Xu P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12409779 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature