Social mixing and clinical features linked with transmission in a network of extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis cases in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Kristin N. Nelson, Samuel M. Jenness, Barun Mathema, Benjamin A. Lopman, Sara C. Auld, N. Sarita Shah, James C.M. Brust, Nazir Ismail, Shaheed Vally Omar, Tyler S. Brown, Salim Allana, Angie Campbell, Pravi Moodley, Koleka Mlisana, Neel R. Gandhi

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

3 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background. Tuberculosis (TB) is the leading infectious cause of death globally, and drug-resistant TB strains pose a serious threat to controlling the global TB epidemic. The clinical features, locations, and social factors driving transmission in settings with high incidences of drug-resistant TB are poorly understood. Methods. We measured a network of genomic links using Mycobacterium tuberculosis whole-genome sequences. Results. Patients with 2-3 months of cough or who spent time in urban locations were more likely to be linked in the network, while patients with sputum smear-positive disease were less likely to be linked than those with smear-negative disease. Associations persisted using different thresholds to define genomic links and irrespective of assumptions about the direction of transmission. Conclusions. Identifying factors that lead to many transmissions, including contact with urban areas, can suggest settings instrumental in transmission and indicate optimal locations and groups to target with interventions.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)2396-2402
Number of pages7
JournalClinical Infectious Diseases
Volume70
Issue number11
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 1 2020

Keywords

  • Drug-resistant tuberculosis
  • Network models
  • Transmission networks
  • Tuberculosis transmission
  • Whole genome sequencing

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Microbiology (medical)
  • Infectious Diseases

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Social mixing and clinical features linked with transmission in a network of extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis cases in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this