Cross-border movement of highly drug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis from Papua New Guinea to Australia through Torres Strait Protected Zone, 2010-2015
Journal Publication ResearchOnline@JCUAbstract
In this retrospective study, we used whole-genome sequencing (WGS) to delineate transmission dynamics, characterize drug-resistance markers, and identify risk factors of transmission among Papua New Guinea residents of the Torres Strait Protected Zone (TSPZ) who had tuberculosis diagnoses during 2010-2015. Of 117 isolates collected, we could acquire WGS data for 100; 79 were Beijing sublineage 2.2.1.1, which was associated with active transmission (odds ratio 6.190, 95% CI 2.221-18.077). Strains were distributed widely throughout the TSPZ. Clustering occurred more often within than between villages (p = 0.0013). Including 4 multidrug-resistant tuberculosis isolates from Australia citizens epidemiologically linked to the TSPZ into the transmission network analysis revealed 2 probable cross-border transmission events. All multidrug-resistant isolates (33/104) belonged to Beijing sublineage 2.2.1.1 and had high-level isoniazid and ethionamide co-resistance; 2 isolates were extensively drug resistant. Including WGS in regional surveillance could improve tuberculosis transmission tracking and control strategies within the TSPZ.
Journal
Emerging Infectious Diseases
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N/A
Volume
25
ISBN/ISSN
1080-6059
Edition
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Issue
3
Pages Count
10
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Publisher
US Department of Health and Human Services
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EISSN
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DOI
10.3201/eid2503.181003