Universal genotyping in tuberculosis control program, New York City, 2001-2003.
In 2001, New York City implemented genotyping to its tuberculosis (TB) control activities by using IS6110 restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) and spoligotyping to type isolates from culture-positive TB patients. Results are used to identify previously unknown links among genotypically clustered patients, unidentified sites of transmission, and potential false-positive cultures. From 2001 to 2003, spoligotype and IS6110-based RFLP results were obtained for 90.7% of eligible and 93.7% of submitted isolates. Fifty-nine (2.4%) of 2,437 patient isolates had false-positive culture results, and 205 genotype clusters were identified, with 2-81 cases per cluster. Cluster investigations yielded 57 additional links and 17 additional sites of transmission. Four additional TB cases were identified as a result of case finding initiated through cluster investigations. Length of unnecessary treatment decreased among patients with false-positive cultures.
Clark
Carla M
CM
Tuberculosis Control Program, New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, 225 Broadway, New York, NY 10007, USA. cclark@health.NYC.gov
Driver
Cynthia R
CR
Munsiff
Sonal S
SS
Driscoll
Jeffrey R
JR
Kreiswirth
Barry N
BN
Zhao
Benyang
B
Ebrahimzadeh
Adeleh
A
Salfinger
Max
M
Piatek
Amy S
AS
Abdelwahab
Jalaa
J
D015373:Bacterial Typing Techniques; D016000:Cluster Analysis; D003428:Cross Infection / Q000517:prevention & control; D005189:False Positive Reactions; D005838:Genotype; D006801:Humans; D009169:Mycobacterium tuberculosis / Q000145:classification* / Q000235:genetics* / Q000302:isolation & purification; D009519:New York City / Q000453:epidemiology; D012150:Polymorphism, Restriction Fragment Length; D014376:Tuberculosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000635:transmission; D018088:Tuberculosis, Multidrug-Resistant / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000382:microbiology / Q000517:prevention & control