Molecular Epidemiology of Tuberculosis: Current Insights

摘要: Molecular epidemiologic studies of tuberculosis (TB) have focused largely on utilizing molecular techniques to address short- and long-term questions, such as in outbreak investigations assessing the global dissemination strains, respectively. This is done primarily by examining extent genetic diversity clinical strains Mycobacterium tuberculosis. When methods are used conjunction with classical epidemiology, their utility for TB control has been realized. For instance, added much-needed accuracy precision describing transmission dynamics, they facilitated investigation previously unresolved issues, estimates recent-versus-reactive disease exogenous reinfection. In addition, there mounting evidence suggest that specific M. belonging discrete phylogenetic clusters (lineages) may differ virulence, pathogenesis, characteristics, all which significantly impact vaccine development strategies. Here, we review current methods, concepts, applications approaches better understand epidemiology TB.