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Review
. 2012 Oct;25(4):708-19.
doi: 10.1128/CMR.00021-12.

Mixed-strain mycobacterium tuberculosis infections and the implications for tuberculosis treatment and control

Ted Cohen  1 , Paul D van Helden, Douglas Wilson, Caroline Colijn, Megan M McLaughlin, Ibrahim Abubakar, Robin M Warren
Affiliations
Review

Mixed-strain mycobacterium tuberculosis infections and the implications for tuberculosis treatment and control

Ted Cohen et al. Clin Microbiol Rev. 2012 Oct.

Abstract

Numerous studies have reported that individuals can simultaneously harbor multiple distinct strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. To date, there has been limited discussion of the consequences for the individual or the epidemiological importance of mixed infections. Here, we review studies that documented mixed infections, highlight challenges associated with the detection of mixed infections, and discuss possible implications of mixed infections for the diagnosis and treatment of patients and for the community impact of tuberculosis control strategies. We conclude by highlighting questions that should be resolved in order to improve our understanding of the importance of mixed-strain M. tuberculosis infections.

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Figures

Fig 1
Fig 1
Methods for detecting mixed infections (9, 28, 30, 41, 51, 57, 63, 76, 95, 104, 106, 112).
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