Molecular characterization of pncA gene mutations in Brazilian Mycobacterium tuberculosis clinical isolates / "Caracterização molecular de mutações no gene pncA de isolados clínicos de Mycobacterium tuberculosis de origem brasileira"

AUTOR(ES)
DATA DE PUBLICAÇÃO

2004

RESUMO

Pyrazinamide (Z), a first-line antituberculous drug, is a prodrug that must be activated by bacterial pyrazinamidase (PZase) to the active form pyrazinoic acid, which kills M. tuberculosis. Many studies have shown that mutation in the gene encoding PZase (pncA) is the major mechanism of Z-resistance in M. tuberculosis. Based on this information and taking into consideration the absence of studies concerning Z-resistance in Brazilian M. tuberculosis strains, this study was aimed at characterizing pncA mutations and investigating its correlation with Z-resistance and PZase activity. The molecular characterization carried out by Spoligotyping revealed that all tested strains belong to M. tuberculosis species. The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of Z was determined by three methods: microplate Alamar Blue assay (MABA), broth microdilution method (BMM) and method of proportions on Lowenstein-Jensen medium. The results showed a good association between the 3 methods, and MABA for MIC determination signalized a new and safe option to be used for Z. Most of Z-resistant strains (88%) presented pncA mutations as well as loss of PZase activity. Some exceptions were found since 12% of Z-resistant strains presented neither pncA mutations nor loss of PZase activity, what suggests the existence of another Z-resistance mechanism. Nine of 22 mutations found in pncA gene were described only in this study. During the course of this investigation were identified 5 Z-monoresistant M. tuberculosis strains.

ASSUNTO(S)

mycobcaterium tuberculosis pirazinamida tuberculosis pyrazinamide tuberculose mycobacterium tuberculosis

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