Genomic Epidemiology of Tuberculosis in the Northern Territory

Using the tuberculosis (TB) genome to increase understanding of TB spread and antibiotic resistance in the Northern Territory

Tuberculosis (TB) is an infection that disproportionately affects Indigenous Australians and people born overseas. The highest rates of TB in Australia are in the Northern Territory (NT).

We will use whole genome sequencing on a collection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains. We will use this technology to determine the relatedness of M. tuberculosis strains, with the aim of increasing our understanding of the way TB spreads in NT communities.

We will also investigate the relationship between NT M. tuberculosis strains and strains from elsewhere, to increase the understanding of the global evolution and spread of M. tuberculosis.

In addition to this, we will examine M. tuberculosis genomes for mutations which may lead to resistance to antibiotics, which is a global problem of increasing importance.