Microevolution of the direct repeat locus of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in a strain prevalent in San Francisco

J Clin Microbiol. 2006 Apr;44(4):1558-60. doi: 10.1128/JCM.44.4.1558-1560.2006.

Abstract

We describe a microevolutionary event of a prevalent strain of Mycobacterium tuberculosis that caused two outbreaks in San Francisco. During the second outbreak, a direct variable repeat was lost. We discuss the mechanisms of this change and the implications of analyzing multiple genetic loci in this context.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • DNA, Bacterial / analysis
  • Disease Outbreaks
  • Evolution, Molecular
  • Female
  • Genes, Bacterial*
  • Genetic Variation*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Molecular Epidemiology
  • Mycobacterium tuberculosis / classification*
  • Mycobacterium tuberculosis / genetics*
  • Prevalence
  • Repetitive Sequences, Nucleic Acid / genetics*
  • San Francisco
  • Tuberculosis, Pulmonary / epidemiology
  • Tuberculosis, Pulmonary / microbiology

Substances

  • DNA, Bacterial