Narayanan, Sujatha
(2004)
Molecular epidemiology of tuberculosis.
Indian Journal of Medical Research, 120 (Oct).
pp. 233-247.
ISSN 0971-5916
Abstract
Molecular epidemiology (ME), a blend of molecular biology and epidemiology, is very useful to
study the spread of tubercle bacilli in mini epidemics, outbreaks, to analyse the transmission
dynamics of tuberculosis (TB) and to determine the risk factors for TB transmission in a
community. ME has a great role in distinguishing between exogenous reinfection and endogenous
reactivation. In the laboratory, molecular epidemiology can be used to identify cross
contamination. Many new DNA typing methods have been introduced after the initial
introduction of restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) in 1993. An internationally
accepted, standardized protocol for RFLP typing of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex
using IS6110 was published in 1993 and is still used today. Most of the newer DNA typing
methods are PCR based and microarray based methods are also available. This will enable
individual strains of M. tuberculosis or clonal groups to be identified by specific phenotypic
traits. ME will continue to be a useful tool in future to measure the impact of any public health
intervention strategy for control of tuberculosis in the community.
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