Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1998. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
The use of restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis for epidemiological studies of tuberculosis in developing countries.
Int J Tuberc Lung Dis. 1998 Jan;2(1):16-26. Unique Identifier : AIDSLINE MED/98220575 Cohn DL; O'Brien RJ; Research and Surveillance Unit, Global Tuberculosis Programme, World; Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland.
Abstract:
DNA fingerprinting, of which restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) typing is the most common method used, has permitted novel investigations of the epidemiology and pathogenesis of tuberculosis. The use of IS6110, an insertion sequence which is present in Mycobacterium tuberculosis, is generally considered to be the standard RFLP method, but other molecular typing techniques may be used as adjuncts in selected circumstances. A number of epidemiologic studies using RFLP typing have been done in both industrialized and developing countries. The major findings include the confirmation or identification of chains of transmission (of both drug-sensitive and drug-resistant strains of tuberculosis), distribution of strain clusters within populations, differentiation of relapse from exogenous reinfection, better understanding of the pathogenesis of tuberculosis, identification of laboratory cross-contamination, and insight into the molecular evolution of the species. For developing countries, where the burden of tuberculosis is greatest, three major areas of investigation for the use of RFLP analysis in epidemiologic studies of tuberculosis have been identified: 1) community transmission, 2) nosocomial transmission, and 3) human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-related tuberculosis. Elements of protocols are suggested which can be used by investigators to perform well-designed epidemiologic studies which will be relevant to developing countries and which are likely to have an impact on control programmes in these settings.
Keywords: *Developing Countries/STATISTICS & NUMER DATA *Polymorphism, Restriction Fragment Length *Tuberculosis, Pulmonary/EPIDEMIOLOGY 980830
M9881145
AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.
Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1998. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
