Semin Respir Crit Care Med 2004; 25(3): 297-306
DOI: 10.1055/s-2004-829502
Copyright © 2004 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Tuberculosis Transmission Based on Molecular Epidemiologic Research

Kathryn DeRiemer1 , Charles L. Daley2 , 3
  • 1Division of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine, Stanford University Medical Center, Stanford, California
  • 2Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, California
  • 3San Francisco General Hospital, San Francisco, California
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
29 June 2004 (online)

Molecular genotyping techniques developed during the past decade and conventional epidemiological methods have been used synergistically in studies of the transmission and pathogenesis of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Research studies assessing contacts and outbreaks, risk factors for ongoing transmission, and exogenous reinfection with M. tuberculosis have advanced with applied molecular epidemiologic techniques. In addition, molecular epidemiologic approaches have enabled scientists to assess the impact of drug resistance on the transmission and pathogenesis of M. tuberculosis and to identify strains with broad temporal and spatial distributions. In the near future, the intersection of molecular epidemiology, bacterial population genetics, comparative genomics, immunology, and other disciplines will further our understanding of tuberculosis transmission and pathogenesis, contributing to the development of effective drugs and a vaccine against this important human pathogen.

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Charles L DaleyM.D. 

Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University of California, San Francisco

San Francisco General Hospital, Room 5K-1, 1001 Potrero Ave., San Francisco, CA 94110

Email: cdaley@itsa.ucsf.edu

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