Molecular Characterization of Multidrug-Resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis Isolated in Nepal

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Abstract
Despite the fact that Nepal is one of the first countries globally to introduce multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) case management, the number of MDR-TB cases is continuing to rise in Nepal. Rapid molecular tests applicable in this setting to identify resistant organisms would be an effective tool in reversing this trend. To develop such tools, information about the frequency and distribution of mutations that are associated with phenotypic drug resistance inMycobacterium tuberculosisis required. In the present study, we investigated the prevalence of mutations inrpoBandkatGgenes and theinhApromoter region in 158M. tuberculosisisolates (109 phenotypically MDR and 49 non-MDR isolates collected in Nepal) by DNA sequencing. Mutations affecting the 81-bp rifampin (RIF) resistance-determining region (RRDR) ofrpoBwere identified in 106 of 109 (97.3%) RIF-resistant isolates. Codons 531, 526, and 516 were the most commonly affected, at percentages of 58.7, 15.6, and 15.6%, respectively. Of 113 isoniazid (INH)-resistant isolates, 99 (87.6%) had mutations in thekatGgene, with Ser315Thr being the most prevalent (81.4%) substitution. Mutations in theinhApromoter region were detected in 14 (12.4%) INH-resistant isolates. The results from this study provide an overview of the current situation of RIF and INH resistance inM. tuberculosisin Nepal and can serve as a basis for developing or improving rapid molecular tests to monitor drug-resistant strains in this country.

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