Whole genome sequencing identifies circulating Beijing-lineage Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains in Guatemala and an associated urban outbreak. Issue 6 (December 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Saelens, Joseph W.; Lau-Bonilla, Dalia; Moller, Anneliese; Medina, Narda; Guzmán, Brenda; Calderón, Maylena; Herrera, Raúl; Sisk, Dana M.; Xet-Mull, Ana M.; Stout, Jason E.; Arathoon, Eduardo; Samayoa, Blanca; Tobin, David M.
• Is Part Of: Tuberculosis. Volume 95:Issue 6(2015)
• Page Start: 810
• Page End: 816
• Publication Date: 2015-12
• Subjects: Tuberculosis -- Molecular epidemiology -- Whole genome sequencing -- Beijing strains -- Guatemala -- Central America; 616.995
• DOI: 10.1016/j.tube.2015.09.001
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1472-9792

Abstract

Summary: 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.