Whole Genome Sequencing of Mycobacterium africanum reported in Brazil

Human tuberculosis (TB) is caused by species of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis Complex (MTBC) with M. tuberculosis and M. africanum (MAF) being predominant; while M. tuberculosis is isolated worldwide, MAF is almost completely restricted to the African continent. Despite the historical proximity between Brazil and Africa and in particular, slave trade, no case of TB being caused by MAF has been reported in Brazil. We hereby describe the first patient with TB caused by this species in the country.