Characteristics of pncA mutations in multidrug-resistant tuberculosis in Taiwan
Author Information
Author(s): Chiu Yu-Chi, Huang Shiang-Fen, Yu Kwok-Woon, Lee Yu-Chin, Feng Jia-Yih, Su Wei-Juin
Primary Institution: Taipei Veterans General Hospital
Hypothesis
The study aims to identify the characteristics of pncA mutations in clinical MDRTB isolates and evaluate the effectiveness of pncA gene analysis in identifying PZA-susceptible isolates.
Conclusion
More than half of the MDRTB isolates in this study are PZA-resistant, and analysis of pncA gene mutations helped to identify PZA-susceptible MDRTB isolates, especially in non-Beijing strains.
Supporting Evidence
- 36 out of 66 MDRTB isolates were found to be PZA-resistant.
- The sensitivity of pncA gene sequencing for PZA susceptibility was 80.6%.
- The specificity of pncA gene analysis was 96.7%.
Takeaway
This study found that many tuberculosis germs in Taiwan are resistant to a key drug, and checking for specific gene changes can help doctors know which germs can still be treated with that drug.
Methodology
MDRTB isolates were collected from six hospitals in Taiwan, and pncA gene sequencing, pyrazinamidase activity testing, and spoligotyping were performed on all isolates.
Limitations
The study only included MDRTB isolates, limiting the evaluation of pncA gene analysis in non-MDRTB isolates, and the relatively small sample size may affect the power of the analysis.
Participant Demographics
Patients were newly diagnosed tuberculosis patients from six hospitals in Taiwan, with a mix of Beijing and non-Beijing strains.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.032
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website