KNUST Scientists Detect Dangerous Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis Strain in Ghana
Researchers warn faster genetic testing is needed to curb spread of multidrug-resistant TB cases.
- Study identifies multidrug-resistant TB strains in Ghana.
- One sample showed signs of pre-XDR tuberculosis.
Scientists at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology have identified a dangerous drug-resistant strain of tuberculosis (TB) in Ghana, raising fresh concerns about the country’s fight against the disease.
The study, published in the Egyptian Academic Journal of Biological Sciences Microbiology, analysed four tuberculosis samples collected from patients at the Cape Coast Teaching Hospital.
Researchers found that all four samples were resistant to at least two major tuberculosis drugs, classifying them as multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB).
According to the scientists, one of the strains also showed early signs of developing into pre-extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis (pre-XDR TB), a more severe form of the disease that is significantly harder and more expensive to treat.
Using advanced whole-genome sequencing technology, the researchers identified several genetic mutations that allow the TB bacteria to survive treatment with critical drugs including rifampicin, isoniazid and fluoroquinolones.
The scientists expressed concern that Ghana still relies heavily on conventional laboratory testing methods, which can take several weeks to detect drug resistance and may not identify emerging resistant strains quickly enough.
They believe the adoption of faster genetic testing methods could improve early diagnosis, strengthen treatment outcomes and help reduce the spread of dangerous TB infections.
The study also revealed that despite developing resistance to drugs, the bacteria remain highly infectious and capable of causing severe illness.
Researchers noted that most of the genes responsible for the bacteria’s ability to infect and survive in the human body were nearly identical across all the samples examined.
The KNUST scientists are therefore calling for the routine use of whole-genome sequencing technology in Ghana’s tuberculosis control programme to improve disease surveillance, accelerate diagnosis and prevent the emergence of more dangerous forms of tuberculosis.
