Whole-genome sequencing of presumptive MDR-TB isolates from a tertiary healthcare setting in Mumbai.

The study was conducted to identify and resolve operational challenges in performing Whole genome sequencing based DRT (drug resistance test) for Mycobacterium Tuberculosis in a TB culture and Drug sensitivity test laboratory. Three critical, non-redundant steps for WGS-based DRT were tested, viz. DNA extraction, high-throughput paired-end next-generation sequencing (NGS), and genomic analysis pipeline for automated reporting of WGS-based DRT.