High genetic diversity among Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex strains from Sierra Leone.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Among tuberculosis (TB) high incidence regions, Sub-Saharan Africa is particularly affected with approx. 1.6 million new cases every year. Besides this dramatic situation, data on the diversity of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) strains causing this epidemic in this area are only sparsely available. Here we analyzed the population structure of strains from Sierra Leone with a special focus on the prevalence of M. africanum.

Results

A total of 97 strains isolated from smear positive cases registered for re-treatment in the Western Area and Kenema districts in years 2003/2004 were investigated by susceptibility testing (first line drugs) and molecular typing (IS6110 fingerprinting, spoligotyping, and MIRU-VNTR typing). Among the strains analyzed, 32 were r

SUBMITTER: Homolka S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2447842 | biostudies-literature | 2008 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature