Genomic Sequencing Profiles of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in Mandalay Region, Myanmar

This study aimed to characterize whole-genome sequencing (WGS) information of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) in the Mandalay region of Myanmar. It was a cross-sectional study conducted with 151 Mtb isolates obtained from the fourth nationwide anti-tuberculosis (TB) drug-resistance survey. Frequency of lineages 1, 2, 3, and 4 were 55, 65, 9, and 22, respectively. The most common sublineage was L1.1.3.1 (n = 31). Respective multi-drug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) frequencies were 1, 1, 0, and 0. Four clusters of 3 (L2), 2 (L4), 2 (L1), and 2 (L2) isolates defined by a 20-single-nucleotide variant (SNV) cutoff were detected. Simpson's index for sublineages was 0.0709. Such high diversity suggests that the area probably had imported Mtb from many geographical sources. Relatively few genetic clusters and MDR-TB suggest there is a chance the future control will succeed if it is carried out properly.