Emerging Rifampicin Resistance in M. tuberculosis: First Report on Characterization of a Novel rpoB(Ser431Phe) Mutation and Phylogenetic Lineages in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
Study reveals novel rpoB mutations and genetic diversity in multidrug-resistant mycobacterium tuberculosis, suggesting urgent need for improved diagnostics.
Key Points
Emergence of novel mutations in rpoB linked to rifampicin resistance highlights growing challenges in treatment.
Whole-genome sequencing identified 76 distinct mutations in the rpoB gene across 16 MDR-TB isolates.
Phylogenetic analysis revealed substantial genetic diversity and regional transmission of mycobacterium tuberculosis.
New insights into drug resistance mechanisms can guide diagnostics and treatment strategies for tuberculosis control.