New molecular mechanisms related to drug resistance in tuberculosis

Abstract

Despite the global efforts tuberculosis (TB) remains as one of the most important infectious disease and with the greatest impact on global public health, this situation has been aggravated in recent decades by the growing problem of drug resistance (DR). Such is the impact of the drug resistant in tuberculosis that would threaten the Millennium Development Goals. In addition to polymorphisms in genes associated with drug resistance in tuberculosis, new mechanisms have being described in recent years. Considering the above, the aim of this mini-review is to give a brief description of the traditional mechanisms related with drug resistance and to describe two of the new mechanisms that will have an important impact in the next future; efflux pumps and DNA damage repair mechanisms.

Comparing Additionality of Tuberculosis Cases Using GeneXpert or Smear-Based Active TB Case-Finding Strategies among Social Contacts of Index Cases in Nepal

“…Delays in prompt treatment initiation can lead to sustained transmission, poor health outcomes, resistance to TB drugs, or death [ 7 , 8 ]. Molecular testing approaches, such as GeneXpert, can simultaneously diagnose TB and detect resistance to rifampicin, a surrogate marker for muti-drug-resistant TB (MDR TB), which can significantly reduce time to enrolment for appropriate treatment for drug-resistant TB [ 9 , 10 , 11 ]. To accelerate the elimination of TB and achieve the END TB strategy target to reduce TB incidence by 90% from its 2015 baseline, a dramatically increased case notification is required [ 12 , 13 ].…”

Prevalence of rifampicin resistant pulmonary tuberculosis using geneXpert assay in Ethiopia, a systematic review and meta-analysis

“…The first line drug for TB consists of rifampicin, isoniazid and pyrazinamide and ethambutol [ 4 ]. Drug-resistant TB continues to be a public health threat.…”

The Enterococcus secretome inhibits the growth of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex mycobacteria

“…Among these species, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Mycobacterium bovis and its derivative, M. bovis Bacillus bilié de Calmette-Guérin (BCG), are the most frequently encountered species in clinical microbiology laboratories worldwide [ 2 ], and Mycobacterium africanum and Mycobacterium canettii is are mainly documented in patients exposed in the Horn of Africa [ 3 , 4 ]. Of particular concern are cases of tuberculosis caused by MTC isolates resistant to first-line rifampicin-based anti-tuberculosis combinations, stimulating efforts to evaluate new drugs, as well as the reintroduction of old drugs, such as those used for decades as anti-leprosy drugs [ 5, 6 ].…”