Lineage classification and antitubercular drug resistance surveillance of Mycobacterium tuberculosis by whole-genome sequencing in Southern India

Studies mapping genetic heterogeneity of clinical isolates of for determining their strain lineage and drug resistance by whole-genome sequencing are limited in high tuberculosis burden settings. We carried out whole-genome sequencing of 242 isolates from drug-sensitive and drug-resistant tuberculosis patients, identified and collected as part of the TB Portals Program, to have a comprehensive insight into the genetic diversity of in Southern India. We report several genetic variations in that may confer resistance to antitubercular drugs. Further wide-scale efforts are required to fully characterize genetic diversity at a population level in high tuberculosis burden settings for providing precise tuberculosis treatment.