Exploring gene mutations and multidrug resistance in Mycobacterium tuberculosis: a study from the Lung Hospital in Vietnam.

Background: Drug-resistant tuberculosis not only diminishes treatment efficacy but also heightens the risk of transmission and mortality. Investigating Mycobacterium tuberculosis resistance to first-line antituberculosis drugs is essential to tackle a major global health challenge.

Methods and results: Using Sanger sequencing, this study investigates gene mutations associated with multidrug resistance in drug-resistant M. tuberculosis strains. Among 30 samples, mutations were found in genes linked to first-line anti-tuberculosis drug resistance. Rifampicin resistance was observed in 46.67% of the samples, with the most frequent mutation in the rpoB gene at codon 450 (S450L) occurring in 23.33% of cases. Similarly, isoniazid resistance was found in 86.67% of samples, with 33.33% of cases indicating the katG gene mutation at codon 315 (S315T). Additionally, streptomycin resistance was present in 76.67% of samples, and 30% of these cases were mainly linked to the rpsL gene mutation at codon 43 (K43R).

Conclusion: These findings illuminate the genetic mechanisms behind drug resistance in M. tuberculosis. By identifying specific genetic markers, this research enhances our ability to diagnose and treat drug-resistant Tuberculosis more accurately and efficiently.