Genetic diversity and drug resistance profiles of <i>Mycobacterium tuberculosis</i> among Ethiopian children as determined by whole-genome sequencing
Our findings revealed a high genetic diversity of <i>Mycobacterium tuberculosis</i> among Ethiopian children, with the most common lineage being lineage 4, specifically lineage 4.2.2.2, in which a higher frequency of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (TB) was observed. Additionally, we identified regional hotspots, suggesting ongoing community transmission. Moreover, whole-genome sequencing demonstrated high concordance with phenotypic drug susceptibility testing and identified mutation genes associated with first- and second-line anti-TB drugs, highlighting its usefulness in providing comprehensive results for resistance detection in children. Thus, it is essential for integrating genomic surveillance into childhood TB and drug resistance control.
Authors
- Bethlehem Adnew (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6108-9534)
- Yeshiwork Abebaw (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6039-3430)
- Getu Diriba (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0166-682X)
- Dawit Hailu Alemayehu (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4118-8260)
- Rahel Argaw
- Atsbeha Gebreegziabxier Weldemariam (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1987-6996)
- Markos Abebe
- Kalkidan Melaku
- Betselot Zerihun (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4277-2247)
- Anandi N. Sheth (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6305-2727)
- Shewki Moga
- Woldaregay Erku Abegaz (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8622-7227)
- Abaysew Ayele
- Gebremedhin Gebremicael
- Muluwork Getahun
Institutions
- Emory University (US)
- Ethiopian Public Health Institute (ET)
- Armauer Hansen Research Institute (ET)
- Addis Ababa University (ET)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Microbiology Spectrum
- Published
- 2026-02-27
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1128/spectrum.02736-25
- Primary Topic
- Tuberculosis Research and Epidemiology
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00