Background : The aim of the current study was to improve our understanding of the origins and transmission of Mycobacterium africanum (MAF) in Norway.
Methods : Whole-genome sequences (WGS) were generated for all (n=29) available clinical isolates identified as in Norway in the period 2010 – 2020. Phylogenetic analyses were performed.
Results : The analyses indicated multiple imports of MAF lineage 6 from both East and West African countries, whereas MAF lineage 5 was restricted to patients with West African connections. We also find evidence for transmission of MAF in Norway. Finally, our analyses revealed that a group of isolates from patients originating in South Asia, identified as MAF by means of a commercial line-probe assay, in fact belonged to Mycobacterium orygis.
Conclusions : Most MAF cases in Norway are the result of import, but transmission is occurring in immigrant communities.