Genetic diversity of Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates from northwest of Iran during COVID-19 era

Abstract Background Tuberculosis (TB) is considered one of the most infectious diseases in world. In this study, we intended to examine epidemiology tuberculosis by MIRU-VNTR define changes that occur transmission region during COVID-19 era. A total 120 Mycobacterium isolates were collected from sputum samples patients referred East Azerbaijan Center TB December 2020 August 2021. Demographic information such as age, sex, place birth, previous history, and relevant medical data was collected. The proportion method performed for drug susceptibility testing, PCR-based applied identify molecular relationships. Results 78 male (65%) 39 female (32.5%) Iranian 3 (2.5%) Azerbaijani patients. Ninety-three distinct patterns identified including 15 clustered 36 unique patterns. largest cluster composed seven isolates. Furthermore, with 5 members, four clusters nine 2 members. typing, 75 belonged Tabriz just Republic Azerbaijan. All sensitive rifampin, isoniazid, ethambutol. Conclusions current study showed pandemic had a direct effect on diagnosis tuberculosis. Less less clustering can indicate public controls hygiene, use masks However, misidentification focus other respiratory infections are expected pandemic. Studies co-infection role mask sanitization against strongly recommended.