@article{103050,
  keywords = {Leprosy, Mycobacterium leprae , fluoroquinolone resistance, resistance gene, Mutations},
  author = {Roger DB and Christiane AA and Jean-Luc TG and Ouéméla Venance Allais B and Henry K and Solange K and N’Golo David C},
  title = {Molecular detection of mutations in the gyrA gene associated with fluoroquinolone resistance in Mycobacterium leprae strains from leprosy patients in Adzopé, Côte d’Ivoire},
  abstract = {<p><strong>Objectives</strong></p>

<p>Recommended control measures for leprosy treatment with multidrug therapy (MDT) aim to limit the spread of drug-resistant&nbsp;Mycobacterium leprae&nbsp;strains. However, fluoroquinolone resistance continues to be reported in several endemic countries. In Côte d’Ivoire, no study has yet evaluated&nbsp;M. leprae&nbsp;resistance to fluoroquinolones used in MDT. This study provides the first assessment of fluoroquinolone resistance in&nbsp;M. leprae&nbsp;isolates collected in Adzopé, Côte d’Ivoire.</p>

<p><strong>Methods</strong></p>

<p>For each clinically confirmed case of multibacillary leprosy (new cases and relapses), slit-skin smear samples were collected and analyzed by microscopic examination after Ziehl-Neelsen staining, as well as by PCR targeting the RLEP repeat sequence. A total of 69 isolates were tested for amplification of the&nbsp;gyrA&nbsp;gene, known to be involved in fluoroquinolone resistance. Mutations were identified by sequencing of the amplified regions using the ABI 3500 genetic analyzer.</p>

<p><strong>Results</strong></p>

<p>Among the 69 isolates analyzed, 9 (18.75%) harboured mutations conferring resistance to fluoroquinolones. The mutation detected was A91V (9.09%), which is known to be associated with fluoroquinolone resistance.</p>

<p><strong>Conclusions</strong></p>

<p>This study provides evidence of fluoroquinolone-resistant&nbsp;M. leprae&nbsp;strains in Côte d’Ivoire. These findings highlight the need for regular molecular surveillance to monitor the evolution of drug resistance and support the development of control strategies to limit the spread of resistant strains in endemic areas.</p>
},
  year = {2025},
  journal = {Leprosy Review},
  volume = {96},
  pages = {1-8},
  publisher = {Lepra},
  issn = {2162-8807},
  url = {https://leprosyreview.org/article/96/4/20-25110},
  doi = {10.47276/lr.96.4.2025110},
  language = {ENG},
}