Whole-genome sequencing-based genetic diversity, transmission dynamics, and drug-resistant mutations in Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolated from pulmonary tuberculosis patients in Bale Zones, Southeast Ethiopia

Knowledge of the MTBC's molecular epidemiology, transmission dynamics, and drug resistance profiles prevailing in the specific area is essential for implementing targeted interventions by TB control programs. However, such data are currently unavailable for the Bale Zones of Oromia, southeastern Ethiopia. Hence, the objective of this study is to determine the molecular epidemiology, transmission dynamics and genomic drug resistance of MTBC using whole-genome sequencing of M. tuberculosis isolates from pulmonary TB patients in Bale zones, Oromia Region, southeastern Ethiopia.