Molecular Epidemiology, Strains Genotyping of Multi-drug Resistant Tuberculosis Circulating in Central Africa Region

Molecular Epidemiology, Strains Genotyping of Multi-drug Resistant Tuberculosis Circulating in Central Africa Region

Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) poses a significant challenge in Central Africa. Understanding the molecular epidemiology and genotypic characteristics of MDR-TB strains is crucial for effective control measures. This is highlighted by the emergence of mutations encoding resistance to bed aquiline and quinolones which may impact the roll out of the newly recommended Bedaquiline, Pretomanid, Linezolid and Moxifloxacin (BPaLM) regimens.

It is also worth noting that there is increasing evidence of the significance of TB lineage in the outcome of infection, the approach in the study will provide both information on chains of transmission and lineage.

Inclusion Criteria:

• All GeneXpert positive TB patients and participants who provide written informed consent will be screened for the study. Participants aged above 8 who can provide sputum will also be screened.
• Patients enrolled in the tuberculosis epidemiology (TB-EPI) study and eligible for MESTCAR will be enrolled without any additional consent form as the data to be collected for the two studies will be shared and no additional process is needed.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Samples which do not meet the quality criteria.

  • Samples not enough to perform all of the laboratory process
  • Samples contaminated