Emerging Infectious Diseases (Jun 2005)

Tuberculosis due to Resistant Haarlem Strain, Tunisia

  • Helmi Mardassi,
  • Amine Namouchi,
  • Raja Haltiti,
  • Mourad Zarrouk,
  • Besma Mhenni,
  • Anis Karboul,
  • Neila Khabouchi,
  • Nico C. Gey van Pittius,
  • Elizabeth M. Streicher,
  • Jean Rauzier,
  • Brigitte Gicquel,
  • Koussay Dellagi

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3201/eid1106.041365
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 11, no. 6
pp. 957 – 961

Abstract

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Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis was diagnosed in 21 HIV-negative, nonhospitalized male patients residing in northern Tunisia. A detailed investigation showed accelerated transmission of a Mycobacterium tuberculosis clone of the Haarlem type in 90% of all patients. This finding highlights the epidemic potential of this prevalent genotype.

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