A complex scenario of tuberculosis transmission is revealed through genetic and epidemiological surveys in Porto

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2018-01-25

Authors

Duarte R (Author) FMUP

Journal

Title: BMC Infectious Diseases

Vol. 18

ISSN: 1471-2334

Publisher: Springer Nature

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 8 Citations

Scopus - 8 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00N-JZ5

DOI: 10.1186/s12879-018-2968-1

Abstract (EN): Background: Tuberculosis (TB) incidence is decreasing worldwide and eradication is becoming plausible. In lowincidence countries, intervention on migrant populations is considered one of the most important strategies for elimination. However, such measures are inappropriate in European areas where TB is largely endemic, such as Porto in Portugal. We aim to understand transmission chains in Porto through a genetic characterization of Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains and through a detailed epidemiological evaluation of cases. Methods: We genotyped the M. tuberculosis strains using the MIRU-VNTR system. We performed an evolutionary reconstruction of the genotypes with median networks, used in this context for the first time. TB cases from a period of two years were evaluated combining genetic, epidemiological and georeferencing information. Results: The data reveal a unique complex scenario in Porto where the autochthonous population acts as a genetic reservoir of M. tuberculosis diversity with discreet episodes of transmission, mostly undetected using classical epidemiology alone. Conclusions: Although control policies have been successful in decreasing incidence in Porto, the discerned complexity suggests that, for elimination to be a realistic goal, strategies need to be adjusted and coupled with a continuous genetic characterization of strains and detailed epidemiological evaluation, in order to successfully identify and interrupt transmission chains.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 12