Whole genome sequencing identifies circulating Beijing-lineage Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains in Guatemala and an associated urban outbreak.
Abstract
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.
Type
Journal articleSubject
Beijing strainsCentral America
Guatemala
Molecular epidemiology
Tuberculosis
Whole genome sequencing
China
DNA, Bacterial
Databases, Genetic
Disease Outbreaks
Genome, Bacterial
Genotype
Guatemala
Humans
Molecular Epidemiology
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Phenotype
Phylogeny
Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide
Poverty
Predictive Value of Tests
Sequence Analysis, DNA
Tuberculosis
Urban Health
Permalink
https://hdl.handle.net/10161/11176Published Version (Please cite this version)
10.1016/j.tube.2015.09.001Publication Info
Saelens, Joseph W; Lau-Bonilla, Dalia; Moller, Anneliese; Medina, Narda; Guzmán, Brenda;
Calderón, Maylena; ... Tobin, David M (2015). Whole genome sequencing identifies circulating Beijing-lineage Mycobacterium tuberculosis
strains in Guatemala and an associated urban outbreak. Tuberculosis (Edinb), 95(6). pp. 810-816. 10.1016/j.tube.2015.09.001. Retrieved from https://hdl.handle.net/10161/11176.This is constructed from limited available data and may be imprecise. To cite this
article, please review & use the official citation provided by the journal.
Collections
More Info
Show full item recordScholars@Duke
Jason Eric Stout
Professor of Medicine
My research focuses on the epidemiology, natural history, and treatment of tuberculosis
and nontuberculous mycobacterial infections. I am also interested in the impact of
HIV infection on mycobacterial infection and disease, and in examining health disparities
as they relate to infectious diseases, particularly in immigrant populations.
David M. Tobin
Associate Professor of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology
Tuberculosis: Mycobacterial Pathogenesis and Host Susceptibility
Tuberculosis kills 1.5 million people annually. Our laboratory aims to understand
the intricate interplay between mycobacteria and their hosts using a combination of
model organism genetics, human genetics, pharmacology and high-resolution microscopy.
By identifying key pathways utilized by the infecting bacteria and the host innate
immune system, we hope to discover new therapeutic targets and interventi
Alphabetical list of authors with Scholars@Duke profiles.

Articles written by Duke faculty are made available through the campus open access policy. For more information see: Duke Open Access Policy
Rights for Collection: Scholarly Articles
Works are deposited here by their authors, and represent their research and opinions, not that of Duke University. Some materials and descriptions may include offensive content. More info