The importance of heteroresistance and efflux pumps in bedaquiline-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates from Iran.

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) continues to pose a threat to communities worldwide and remains a significant public health issue in several countries. We assessed the role of heteroresistance and efflux pumps in bedaquiline (BDQ)-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates.

Methods: Nineteen clinical isolates were included in the study, of which fifteen isolates were classified as MDR or XDR, while four isolates were fully susceptible.

Spoligotype and Drug Susceptibility Profiles of Complex Isolates in Golestan Province, North Iran.

Introduction: Despite the moderate incidence of tuberculosis (TB) in many parts of Iran, Golestan province had a permanently higher TB incidence rate than the national average. Moreover, Golestan province receives immigrants, mainly from TB-endemic areas of Iran and neighbor countries. Here, we aimed to characterize the circulating complex (MTBC) isolates in terms of the spoligotype and drug resistance patterns, across Golestan province.

Scrutinizing the drug resistance mechanism of multi- and extensively-drug resistant mutations versus efflux pumps.

Background: In order to shorten the course of treatment and its effectiveness, it is essential to gain an in-depth insight into the drug resistance mechanisms of ().

Methods: In this study, we evaluated the contribution of 26 drug efflux pumps plus target gene mutations to the drug resistance levels in multi-drug resistant (MDR)/pre-extensively drug-resistant (pre-XDR)/extensively drug-resistant (XDR) and mono-drug resistant clinical isolates of . The panels of 25  clinical strains were characterized for drug resistance-associated mutations with whole-genome sequencing and antibiotic profiles in the presence and absence of efflux inhibitor verapamil (VP).

High Prevalence of Bedaquiline Resistance in Treatment-Naive Tuberculosis Patients and Verapamil Effectiveness.

In the regions where bedaquiline (BDQ) is introduced into the regimen, analysis of MIC and screening for preexisting resistance mutations could be crucial. The high prevalence of isolates with high BDQ MICs without prior exposure to BDQ was worrisome. It was also concluded that efflux pumps play a pivotal role in intrinsic BDQ resistance; therefore, the potential of verapamil as an adjunctive therapy to combat BDQ resistance should be investigated.

Sub-minimum inhibitory concentration of rifampin: a potential risk factor for resuscitation of .

Background: possesses five resuscitation-promoting factors, Rpf A to E, which are required for the resuscitation of dormancy in mycobacteria. This study explores the transcriptional profile of all five of in response to sub-MIC concentration of rifampin, in multidrug and mono-rifampin resistant clinical isolates.

Methods: Thirteen multidrug and two rifampin mono resistant clinical isolates were analyzed.

The impact of genetic variation in IL28B, IFNL4 and HLA genes on treatment responses against chronic hepatitis C virus infection.

Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) near the interleukin-28B (IL28B), interferon lambda 4 (IFNL4) and the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) gene are associated with treatment responses in patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC) virus infection treated with pegylated interferon-α and ribavirin (pegIFN-α/RBV). We compared the role of IL28B SNPs (rs12979860, rs12980275, and rs8099917), IFNL4 ss469415590 and HLA rs4273729 with treatment outcomes in patients with CHC virus. A total of 520 Iranian patients with CHC infection were enrolled.