Clusters of multidrug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis cases, Europe.
Molecular surveillance of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR TB) was implemented in Europe as case reporting in 2005. For all new MDR TB cases detected from January 2003 through June 2007, countries reported case-based epidemiologic data and DNA fingerprint patterns of MDR TB strains when available. International clusters were detected and analyzed. From 2003 through mid-2007 in Europe, 2,494 cases of MDR TB were reported from 24 European countries. Epidemiologic and molecular data were linked for 593 (39%) cases, and 672 insertion sequence 6110 DNA fingerprint patterns were reported from 19 countries. Of these patterns, 288 (43%) belonged to 18 European clusters; 7 clusters (242/288 cases, 84%) were characterized by strains of the Beijing genotype family, including the largest cluster (175/288 cases, 61%). Both clustering and the Beijing genotype were associated with strains originating in eastern European countries. Molecular cluster detection contributes to identification of transmission profile, risk factors, and control measures.
Devaux
Isabelle
I
European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, Stockholm, Sweden. isabelle.devaux@ecdc.europa.eu
Kremer
Kristin
K
Heersma
Herre
H
Van Soolingen
Dick
D
D000995:Antitubercular Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016172:DNA Fingerprinting; D004269:DNA, Bacterial / Q000235:genetics; D024901:Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial / Q000187:drug effects / Q000235:genetics*; D005060:Europe / Q000453:epidemiology; D005838:Genotype; D006801:Humans; D009169:Mycobacterium tuberculosis / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000235:genetics; D012150:Polymorphism, Restriction Fragment Length; D012307:Risk Factors; D014397:Tuberculosis, Pulmonary / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000635:transmission
D000995:Antitubercular Agents; D004269:DNA, Bacterial