Scientists discover drug-resistant TB gene map

A team of scientists have decoded the gene map of a drug-resistant strain of TB, leading them to claim that their findings may help develop better treatments to fight the disease.

The collaboration between researchers from the US and South Africa identified the genome of a drug resistant strain linked to more than 50 deaths from TB in South Africa's KwaZulu-Natal region, Psyorg.com reported.

At the same time they were able to identify genetic mutations that they hope will help develop treatments to combat some of the most drug-resistant strains of TB.

Megan Murray, a member of the team from the Broad Institute in Massachusetts, said: "By looking at the genomes of different strains, we can learn how the tuberculosis microbe outwits current drugs and how new drugs might be designed."

Her colleague, Eric Lander, added: "It is important that genomic data be made immediately available, particularly to researchers in areas most heavily burdened by disease."

The World Health Organization estimates that there are currently 500,000 people worldwide infected with multi-drug resistant TB.

News brought to you by Global Health TV, covering the issues of Health in the Developing world.