A Persistent Tuberculosis Outbreak in the UK Is Characterized by Hydrophobic <i>fadB4</i>-Deficient <i>Mycobacterium tuberculosis</i> That Replicates Rapidly in Macrophages.

ABSTRACT: The genetic diversity of Mycobacterium tuberculosis can influence disease severity and transmissibility. To better understand how this diversity influences individuals and communities, we phenotyped M. tuberculosis that was causing a persistent outbreak in the East Midlands, United Kingdom. Compared to nonoutbreak isolates, bacilli had higher lipid contents and more hydrophobic cell surfaces. In macrophage infection models, the bacteria increased more rapidly, provoked the enhanced accumulation of macrophage lipid droplets and enhanced the secretion of IL-1β. Natural deletions in fadB4, nrdB, and plcC distinguished the outbreak isolates from other lineage 3 isolates in the region. fadB4 is annotated with a putative role in cell envelope biosynthesis, so the loss

SUBMITTER: Farzand R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9765663 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature