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Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates from single outpatient clinic in Panama City exhibit wide genetic diversity

Dilcia Sambrano, Ricardo Correa, Pedro Almengor, Amada Domínguez, Silvio Vega, and Amador Goodridge.

Abstract

Understanding Mycobacterium tuberculosis biodiversity and transmission is key for tuberculosis control. This short report aimed to determine the genetic diversity of Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates from an outpatient clinic in Panama City. A total of 62 Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates were genotyped by 12 loci MIRU-VNTR and Spoligotyping. Forty-five (72.6%) of the isolates showed unique MIRU-VNTR genotypes, and 13 (21%) of the isolates were grouped into four clusters. Four isolates showed polyclonal MIRU-VNTR genotypes.

The MIRU-VNTR Hunter-Gaston discriminatory index reached 0.988. The Spoligotyping analysis revealed 16 Mycobacterium tuberculosis families, including Latin American-Mediterranean, Harlem, and Beijing. These findings suggest a wide genetic diversity of Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates at one outpatient clinic.

A detailed molecular epidemiology survey is now warranted, especially following second massive immigration for local Panama Canal expansion activities.

Dilcia Sambrano, Ricardo Correa, Pedro Almengor, Amada Domínguez, Silvio Vega, and Amador Goodridge. American Journal of Tropical Medicine & Hygiene, 2014 in press.