The aim of the project is to identify population-based clinical and molecular determinants of tuberculosis epidemiology and ascertain new evidence of the evolutionary pathway of TB in humans and livestock.

The project will establish a molecular characterization and clustering of TB strains in relation to prevalence, animal-human transmission and resistance to antibiotics. Repeated observational field studies will be conducted in close collaboration with the national tuberculosis program in an African country.

Tuberculosis patients will be offered treatment within the framework of national tuberculosis program.

Livestock carcasses will be collected in abattoir surveys for the cultivation of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex.

Region-deletion polymerase chain reaction and sequencing of single-nucleotide polymorphism of genes responsible for antibiotic resistance of all isolated TB strains will provide specific information on the evolutionary pathways of TB at the interface between humans and live-stock and between West and East Africa.

Genetic resource: Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex: M. tuberculosis, M. bovis

Access: In situ: Collecting Mycobacterium sp. in livestock carcasses and in humans.

Utilization: Isolation and cultivation of Mycobacterium tuberculosis; identification of strains with region-deletion polymerase chain reaction, and sequencing of single-nucleotide polymorphism.

Stakeholders involved in ABS-procedures: Research institute and Competent National Authority.

Steps: Apply for PIC and negotiate MAT for access to the micro-organisms.

Notes: Only microbial genetic resources are accessed. Human genetic resources are not included in the Convention on Biological Diversity.