Import and transmission of Mycobacterium orygis and Mycobacterium africanum, Norway
Vegard Eldholm1, Janne O Rønning2, Anne Torunn Mengshoel2
1National Reference Laboratory for Mycobacteria, Division of Infection Control and Environmental Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway. elve@fhi.no.
Background:
The aim of the current study was to improve our understanding of the origins and transmission of Mycobacterium africanum (MAF) in Norway.
Methods:
Whole-genome sequences (WGS) were generated for all (n = 29) available clinical isolates received at the Norwegian National Reference Laboratory for Mycobacteria (NRL) and identified as MAF in Norway, in the period 2010-2020. Phylogenetic analyses were performed.
Results:
The analyses indicated several imports of MAF lineage 6 from both East and West African countries, whereas MAF lineage 5 was restricted to patients with West African connections. We also find evidence for transmission of MAF in Norway. Finally, our analyses revealed that a group of isolates from patients originating in South Asia, identified as MAF by means of a commercial line-probe assay, in fact belonged to Mycobacterium orygis.
Conclusions:
Most MAF cases in Norway are the result of import, but transmission is occurring within Norway.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Pulmonary Tuberculosis I
Causative Organism
The primary infectious agent causing tuberculosis is Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a slow-growing, acid-fast, aerobic rod that exhibits sensitivity to heat and ultraviolet light. Instances of Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium avium contributing to the development of TB infection are rare.
Mode of...
Bacterial Phylum Actinobacteria


