Identification and evolution of an IS6110 low-copy-number Mycobacterium tuberculosis cluster

J Infect Dis. 2002 Mar 1;185(5):641-9. doi: 10.1086/339345. Epub 2002 Feb 14.

Abstract

A cohort of 56 patients infected with related strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the S75 group, was identified in a New Jersey population-based study of all isolates with a low number of copies of the insertion element IS6110. Genotyping was combined with surveillance data to identify the S75 group and to elucidate its recent evolution. The S75 group had similar demographic and geographic characteristics. Seventeen persons (30%) were linked epidemiologically. The S75 group was segregated from other low-copy-number isolates on the basis of several independent molecular methods. This group included 3 IS6110 genotype variants: BE, H6, and C28, containing 1, 2, and 3 IS6110 insertions, respectively. IS6110 insertion site mapping and comparative sequence analysis strongly suggest a stepwise acquisition of IS6110 elements from BE to H6 to C28. S75 represents a locally produced strain cluster that has recently evolved. The combination of multiple molecular tools with traditional epidemiology provides novel insights into dissemination, local transmission, and evolution of M. tuberculosis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • DNA Transposable Elements / genetics*
  • Evolution, Molecular*
  • Female
  • Gene Dosage*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Minisatellite Repeats / genetics
  • Mycobacterium tuberculosis / classification*
  • Mycobacterium tuberculosis / genetics
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Tuberculosis, Pulmonary / epidemiology*
  • Tuberculosis, Pulmonary / microbiology

Substances

  • DNA Transposable Elements