Molecular epidemiologic tools for diagnosis of tuberculosis: A Review of literature and its applicability in Nigeria

There is scarcity of data on molecular epidemiology of tuberculosis (TB) in many of the high burden countries of sub-Saharan Africa including Nigeria. This may be due to inadequate diagnostic and research capacities. There is a need to build capacity on molecular epidemiologic techniques in order to enhance TB diagnosis, treatment and prevention strategies. Some of the more popular molecular typing methods being used globally include IS 6110 -based restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP), polymerase chain reaction (PCR) -based methods such as spacer oligonucleotide typing or spoligotyping, mycobacterial interspersed repetitive units-multilocus variable number tandem repeats (MIRU-VNTR), single –nucleotide polymorphisms and large –sequence polymorphism analysis. Among other things, molecular technique(s) to be adopted for use in a particular setting depend on the state of the infrastructure including laboratory facilities, presence of skilled personnel and cost. In Nigeria however, availability of PCR-based diagnostic assay –MTBDR plus assay (HAIN- Lifesciences, Germany) in some TB reference laboratories may serve as a springboard for introduction of advanced TB molecular epidemiologic tools in the country.