Molecular and genetic analysis of <i>Mycobacterium tuberculosis</i> population in the Vologda Region with low tuberculosis incidence

The Vologda Region is characterized by a relatively calm epidemic situation for tuberculosis in Russia: the incidence rate 2010—2018 decreased from 45.2 to 15.8 per 100 thousand of population (44.4 Russia). However, proportion patients with multiple drug resistance (MDR) pathogen increased 12.1% 2016 23.7% 2018. aim study was characterize genetic structure M. and identify main genotypes associated primary multidrug Region. A total 82 strains isolated 2018 newly diagnosed were studied. Drug susceptibility testing performed using standard method absolute concentration BACTEC MGIT 960 kit. assigned Beijing genotype its subtypes based on analysis specific markers. subtyped MIRU-VNTR (24 loci), calculating Hunter-Gaston Discriminatory Index (HGDI). Other non-Beijing group spoligotyped. majority (62.2%; 51 82). most numerous cluster Central Asian/Russian (41.5%; 34 strains). shares Asia Outbreak (CAO) subtype B0/W148 amounted 8.5% 7.3%, respectively. belonged families T (11%; 9 82), LAM (11%), Haarlem (6.1%), Ural (4.9%). Among isolates, 33 (40.2%) MDR identified, counting 27 genotype, including those — 18 (66.7%), CAO 4 each (14.8%) clusters. typing revealed 22 profiles (HGDI = 0.852); largest clusters 94-32 (35.3%) 95-32 (15.7%), which included CAO. Four 100-32. loci QUB26 0.493) MIRU26 0.388) had highest polymorphism. For first time, molecular carried out region heterogeneity dominated. At same share MDR, epidemiologically clinically significant B0/W148, well defined Russia abroad, only significantly less than other regions Northwestern Federal District Russian Federation (~19%). Concurrent, representatives prevailed among strains.