Publications by authors named "A Dippenaar"
Background: The emergence of drug-resistant () strains remains a threat to tuberculosis (TB) prevention and care. Understanding the drug resistance profiles of circulating strains is crucial for effective TB control. This study aimed to describe the genetic diversity of rifampicin-resistant strains circulating in Botswana using whole genome sequencing (WGS).
View Article and Find Full Text PDFCurrent tuberculosis (TB) treatment is typically effective against drug-susceptible Mycobacterium tuberculosis, but can fail due to acquired drug resistance or phenotypic resistance. M. tuberculosis persisters, a subpopulation of viable but non-replicating (VBNR) antibiotic-tolerant bacteria, are thought to contribute to poor TB treatment outcomes.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFA Genome-Focused Investigation Reveals the Emergence of a Strain Related to Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis in the Amazon Region of Brazil.
Microorganisms
September 2024
Article Synopsis
- A study in Pará, Northern Brazil, identified a unique strain of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) called SIT2517/T1, with a focus on its transmission dynamics.
- Researchers utilized various genetic testing methods, including whole-genome sequencing, to analyze 28 isolates, confirming their distinct sublineage and highlighting discrepancies in drug resistance testing for some antibiotics.
- The findings indicated a high probability of direct transmission among these isolates in urban areas, emphasizing the necessity for increased tuberculosis genomic surveillance in the Brazilian Amazon.
Integrating whole genome sequencing (WGS) of the complex into routine care, surveillance, and research in high tuberculosis burden settings remains challenging due to limited resources and skills. While technological platforms for scaling WGS are emerging, scaling wet lab and analytic components often depends on partnerships where such skills have been established. To address this, a virtual training program was developed.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFArticle Synopsis
- * Using two methods (long-read analysis with MIRUReader and standard amplification), results showed a high agreement between the two, with only 11 discrepancies out of 3,024 loci analyzed.
- * The research suggests that long-read sequencing can improve the integration of historical TB data with genomic analysis, potentially enhancing tracking of TB transmission patterns.