The role of whole genome sequencing in identifying occupational tuberculosis among healthcare workers: two case reports

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  • Ole Skouvig Pedersen
  • Victor Naestholt Dahl
  • Søren Sperling
  • Anders Norman
  • Lillebæk, Troels
  • Andreas Fløe

In this case report, we present case reports for two nurses, both working in departments of respiratory medicine, who developed tuberculosis (TB). For each individual case, whole genome sequencing (WGS) revealed only one specific match within a genomic distance of <6 single-nucleotide polymorphisms. The subsequent epidemiological investigations confirmed that both nurses had relevant exposures to their corresponding match 1139 and 1704 days before presenting with TB symptoms, respectively. Twenty-two studies were identified that reported using genotyping to identify occupational transmission of Mycobacterium tuberculosis to healthcare workers. Only two studies applied WGS, both conducted in resource-rich countries, comparable to the present Danish investigation. When comparing the two WGS studies to the other studies that used older genotyping techniques, WGS provided a higher resolution and much more detailed information. Consequently, the epidemiological investigations were more straightforward. In conclusion, WGS is a powerful tool for determining whether M. tuberculosis transmission is occupational as demonstrated for the two cases in this study.

Original languageEnglish
Article number107088
JournalInternational Journal of Infectious Diseases
Volume145
Number of pages3
ISSN1201-9712
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2024

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2024 The Authors

    Research areas

  • Healthcare workers, Occupational transmission, Tuberculosis, Whole genome sequencing

ID: 397610864