Publications by authors named "Melissa Rabb"

In , molecular predictions of ethambutol resistance rely primarily on the detection of mutations within . However, discordance between 406 mutations and gold standard phenotypic drug sensitivity testing (DST) questions the significance of 406 mutations used in molecular DST. This study tabulates mutations found in Canadian isolates and evaluates the impact of specific mutations on ethambutol resistance.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Phenotypic susceptibility testing of the complex (MTBC) isolate requires culture growth, which can delay rapid detection of resistant cases. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) and data analysis pipelines can assist in predicting resistance to antimicrobials used in the treatment of tuberculosis (TB). This study compared phenotypic susceptibility testing results and WGS-based predictions of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) to four first-line antimicrobials-isoniazid, rifampin, ethambutol, and pyrazinamide-for MTBC isolates tested between the years 2018-2022.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Viruses of the Mononegavirales have helical nucleocapsids containing a single-stranded negative-sense RNA genome complexed with the nucleoprotein and several other virus-encoded proteins. This RNA-protein complex acts as the template for replication and transcription during infection. Recent structural data has advanced our understanding of how these functions are achieved in filoviruses, which include dangerous pathogens such as Ebola virus.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background: Filoviruses, including Ebola virus, are unusual in being filamentous animal viruses. Structural data on the arrangement, stoichiometry and organisation of the component molecules of filoviruses has until now been lacking, partially due to the need to work under level 4 biological containment. The present study provides unique insights into the structure of this deadly pathogen.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF