Sebastien Gagneux and colleagues identify a set of compensatory mutations in the RNA polymerase of rifampicin-resistant M. tuberculosis by comparing the whole-genome sequences of ten paired clinical isolates and strains evolved in vitro. These mutations are associated with high competitive fitness in vitro and occur with increased clinical frequency in affected populations with a high burden of drug-resistant tuberculosis.
- Iñaki Comas
- Sonia Borrell
- Sebastien Gagneux
