Description of the First Case of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Beijing Strain Isolated in Cameroon

Aims: Beijing remain the most M. tuberculosis lineage distributed and associated to multidrug resistance known worldwide. Its detection in a young person urge to make a large molecular epidemiology study in the concerned region since this can significantly impact tuberculosis (TB) control and vaccine strategies development.

Presentation of Case: In this study, we described the first case of M. tuberculosis Beijing strain isolated from a 20 years old girl in Cameroon. This strain was resistant to Isoniazid, Rifampicin, Streptomycin and Ethambutol. Spoligotyping and MIRU/VNTR genotyping analysis showed that the strain belonged to SIT1. The patient responded well to 12 months drug therapy of 4 KmGfxPtoHCfzEZ / 8 GfxPtoCfzEZ; although she was probably contaminated by her elder sister who died from TB few months before. This case may traduce a transmission event in Cameroon.

Conclusion: This was the first study that isolated M. tuberculosis Beijing lineage in Cameroon and showed the importance to purchase a large study in the concerned regions.