Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 22, 2026

Amplicon Sequencing using the Long-Read Sequencing Technologies
Published on: August 29, 2025
Tuberculosis enhanced transmission due to interterritorial mobility and prolonged diagnostic delay: A call for an
Sheri M Saleeb1, Silvia Vallejo-Godoy2, Andrea Marcos Abellán3
1Department of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Gregorio Marañón General University Hospital, Gregorio Marañón Health Research, Institute (IiSGM), Madrid, Spain; CIBER Respiratory Diseases (CIBERES), Spain; Doctoral school, Autonomous University of Madrid, Spain.
Background:
Genomic epidemiology has revolutionised how we can delineate tuberculosis (TB) transmission. However, surveillance in TB is restricted to the analysis of geographically limited populations, which impairs the identification of cross-regional transmission.
Objective:
To integrate genomic data from independent populations, targeted strain sequencing and refined epidemiological research to enhance tuberculosis transmission DESIGN: Integration of sequencing data from Madrid and Almería, evolutionary analysis of the SNPs identified in the cluster, standardized detailed interviews with patients to obtain more detailed epidemiological information to identify links among the individuals, and targeted sequencing of the strain-marker-SNPs to fast-track new involved cases.
Results:
We described the complex transmission patterns of a cluster involving 13 cases, characterised by the convergence of i) interterritorial transmission due to the mobility of migrant cases, involving six different nationalities and autochthonous cases, ii) enhanced transmission due to an undiagnosed advanced TB case, iii) extensive exposures attributable to substantial social gatherings, and iv) two independent populations where the majority of cases were exposed or diagnosed, respectively.
Conclusion:
This study may serve as an illustration of the integrative efforts and simultaneous strategic, methodological and analytical improvements that are required to address the numerous novel challenges arising for a proper surveillance of TB transmission in our current, increasingly complex, epidemiological scenario.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Pulmonary Tuberculosis IV
Several diagnostic approaches are used to detect TB. The conventional method is the Tuberculin Skin Test (TST), also known as the Mantoux test. However, this method has...
Tuberculosis
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...
Pulmonary Tuberculosis II
Here is a detailed explanation of its pathophysiology:
Transmission: The process begins when a person inhales droplet nuclei containing M. tuberculosis. These are typically released into the air when an individual with pulmonary or...
Modern Molecular Taxonomy
Pulmonary Tuberculosis V
Latent tuberculosis infection occurs when TB bacteria are present in a person's body, but are not causing illness or symptoms. It is not contagious, and preventive treatment is crucial to avoid the progression...

