Characterization of Beijing Strains of Mycobacterium Tuberculosis and Analysis of Risk Factors Associated with Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis in the Republic of Congo
Ghoma Linguissi Laure Stella*, Manto Gracia Nélia Christmas, Okouakoua Yannick Frédéric, Locko Abigaïl Esther, Sagna Tani, Nyanga-Koumou Clément Armand Gaspard, Balou Salou Awa, Simpore Jacques and Nguimbi Etienne
ABSTRACT
In the Republic of Congo, the lack of national data on resistance to anti-tuberculosis drugs aggravates the difficulties of caring for patients with multidrugresistant
tuberculosis. The aim is to specifically detect Beijing strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which are known for their increased drug resistance. We used samples from patients with confirmed tuberculosis, collected via Genexpert technology, to extract DNA. The extracted DNA was then used to perform multiplex PCR, allowing for further analysis. The results of the study show that 30 patients with tuberculosis, 53,33% were women and 80% were single. In terms of medical history, 80% of patients had received BCG vaccine, and 66.67% were not on TB treatment. Common clinical symptoms included cough (100%), asthenia (73.33%), and anorexia (76.67%). Among the risk factors, 73.33% of of patients consumed alcohol and 30% tobacco. Finally, the Beijing strain of Mycobacterium tuberculosis was detected in 4 patients (13.33%), and 4 (13.33%) were also HIV-positive.
