Molecular Genetic Analysis of Mycobacteria, Causing Female Genital Tuberculosis: Possibilities of Sexual Transmission—An Overview

Abstract

Although tuberculosis (TB) is predominantly known to be a traditional air-borne disease, new modes of transmission have also come to light. While the lungs remain the main entry point, TB can spread to other regions of the body causing extrapulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB). Female genital tuberculosis is one such EPTB that can adversely affect females between the ages of 15 and 45 years and may cause hindrance in their ability of conception and successful pregnancy. Sexual transmission of TB is a lesser-known or poorly investigated route of spread that has recently been confirmed through molecular evidence. Targeted molecular-level studies by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), in addition to interim diagnostic techniques, have offered evidence for the sexual transmission of Mycobacterium subtypes. Recent studies conducted using multiplex PCR on both the male and female counterparts revealed that the male partners had Mycobacterium in their semen, while the female counterparts had it in their endometrium and products of conception resulting in miscarriage. These studies indicate that the mycobacterial infection/infestation in the females may have been brought on by contact with infected male semen. Therefore, it is necessary to identify the genetic loci that are responsible for the sexual transmission of mycobacteria. This can be done by whole-genome sequencing. It has also to be emphasized that screening of sexually active males for genital TB in endemic regions is necessary for the prevention of sexual transmission of mycobacteria.

Keywords

• mycobacteria
• genital tuberculosis
• infertility
• multiplex-PCR
• sexual transmission
• genome sequencing