Complete genome sequencing of Mycobacterium Tuberculosis in the identification of gene mutations associated with antimicrobial resistance

Abstract

The development and application of new molecular tools has shown the real complexity involved in Mycobacterium Tuberculosis infection. The sequencing of the complete Koch's Bacillus genome can reveal information about the true extent of the point mutations that confer resistance to treatment to these bacteria. Complete genome sequencing techniques and their availability in public databases, have been responsible for the exponential growth of computational tools to extract information about important features encoded in the genomes of Mycobacterium complex species. This is a literature review study, from scientific research platforms, with the aim of discussing how computational tools used for analysis of the complete genome sequencing of M. tuberculosis can identify the genetic relationship between strain mutations and antimicrobial resistance. Whole genome sequencing is considered a surveillance marker of transmission and drug resistance, as well as a strong predictor of the emergence of possible resistance mechanisms for first- and second-line drugs used in the treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis.