A novel Ancestral Beijing sublineage of Mycobacterium tuberculosis suggests the transition site to Modern Beijing sublineages

• Main Authors: Pravech Ajawatanawong, Hideki Yanai, Nat Smittipat, Areeya Disratthakit, Norio Yamada, Reiko Miyahara, Supalert Nedsuwan, Worarat Imasanguan, Pacharee Kantipong, Boonchai Chaiyasirinroje, Jiraporn Wongyai, Supada Plitphonganphim, Pornpen Tantivitayakul, Jody Phelan, Julian Parkhill, Taane G. Clark, Martin L. Hibberd, Wuthiwat Ruangchai, Panawun Palittapongarnpim, Tada Juthayothin, Yuttapong Thawornwattana, Wasna Viratyosin, Sissades Tongsima, Surakameth Mahasirimongkol, Katsushi Tokunaga, Prasit Palittapongarnpim
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Nature Publishing Group 2019-09-01
• Series: Scientific Reports
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-019-50078-3

Abstract Global Mycobacterium tuberculosis population comprises 7 major lineages. The Beijing strains, particularly the ones classified as Modern groups, have been found worldwide, frequently associated with drug resistance, younger ages, outbreaks and appear to be expanding. Here, we report analysis of whole genome sequences of 1170 M. tuberculosis isolates together with their patient profiles. Our samples belonged to Lineage 1–4 (L1–L4) with those of L1 and L2 being equally dominant. Phylogenetic analysis revealed several new or rare sublineages. Differential associations between sublineages of M. tuberculosis and patient profiles, including ages, ethnicity, HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) infection and drug resistance were demonstrated. The Ancestral Beijing strains and some sublineages of L4 were associated with ethnic minorities while L1 was more common in Thais. L2.2.1.Ancestral 4 surprisingly had a mutation that is typical of the Modern Beijing sublineages and was common in Akha and Lahu tribes who have migrated from Southern China in the last century. This may indicate that the evolutionary transition from the Ancestral to Modern Beijing sublineages might be gradual and occur in Southern China, where the presence of multiple ethnic groups might have allowed for the circulations of various co-evolving sublineages which ultimately lead to the emergence of the Modern Beijing strains.