Molecular epidemiology: a tool for understanding control of tuberculosis transmission

Clin Chest Med. 2005 Jun;26(2):217-31, vi. doi: 10.1016/j.ccm.2005.02.005.

Abstract

One of the primary goals of tuberculosis control programs is to interrupt the transmission of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The development of several genotyping tools has allowed tracking of strains of M. tuberculosis as they spread through communities. Studies that have combined the use of genotyping with conventional epidemiologic investigation have increased the understanding of the transmission and pathogenesis of tuberculosis. This article reviews some of the lessons learned using these new epidemiologic tools.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Disease Transmission, Infectious / prevention & control*
  • Humans
  • Molecular Epidemiology / methods*
  • Mycobacterium tuberculosis / genetics*
  • Mycobacterium tuberculosis / pathogenicity
  • Tuberculosis / prevention & control*
  • Tuberculosis / transmission*