Tuberculosis Genotyping

At a glance

Tuberculosis (TB) genotyping is a laboratory-based approach used to analyze the genetic material (e.g., DNA) of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacterium that causes TB disease. The total genetic content is referred to as the genome. Specific sections of the M. tuberculosis genome form distinct genetic patterns that help distinguish different strains of M. tuberculosis.

Applications

TB genotyping results, when combined with epidemiologic data, help identify persons with TB disease involved in the same chain of recent transmission.

TB genotyping:

  • Helps distinguish between persons whose TB disease is the result of TB infection that was acquired in the past, as compared to recently or newly acquired infection,
  • Adds value to conventional contact investigations,
  • Offers a tool to help direct TB prevention and control efforts to preventing transmission, and
  • Allows us to monitor our progress toward eliminating TB transmission.

Learn more

Genomic data visualization

Tuberculosis Whole-Genome Sequencing

Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) helps inform tuberculosis (TB) prevention and control activities.
Nurse comparing data in medical office

Tuberculosis Genotyping Information Management System

TB GIMS is a web-based system to improve access and dissemination of genotyping information.
Graphic illustrating four CDC data integration tools: Cluster Investigation Tool, Location and Time to Epidemiology Tool, Logically Inferred Tuberculosis Transmission Tool, and MicrobeTrace.

Analytic Tools

TB programs use tools to manage and analyze contact, cluster, and outbreak investigation data.

Resources

Prioritizing Tuberculosis Genotype Clusters for Further Investigation and Public Health Action is written in blue type. Two images of tuberculosis bacteria are shown with a network of people

Prioritizing Clusters for Further Investigation and Public Health Action

This guidance can help TB programs prioritize TB genotype clusters for further investigation. 
Graphic depicting icons of people connected in a network

Best Practices for Genotyping-Based Tuberculosis Outbreak Detection

Best practices for genotyping-based tuberculosis outbreak detection complement routine activities.
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Content Source:
Division of Tuberculosis Elimination ; National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and Tuberculosis Prevention; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention