Drug-resistant tuberculosis viewed from bacterial and host genomes

• Emergence of MTB strains resistant to anti-tuberculosis drugs constitutes a serious threat to global TB control.
• TB outcome is the result of complex host–pathogen interactions as human and MTB genetic background play an important role. Whether the interaction influences the selection and expansion of drug-resistant TB represent a primary focus of this review.
• We outline the main and recent findings regarding MTB determinants implicated in the development of drug resistance.
• We examine data regarding human genetic factors that may play a role in TB drug resistance.
• We highlight interesting openings for TB research and therapy.

The outcome of infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) is largely influenced by the host–pathogen interaction in which both the human host and the MTB genetic backgrounds play an important role. Whether this interaction also influences the selection and expansion of drug-resistant MTB strains is the primary focus of this review. We first outline the main and recent findings regarding MTB determinants implicated in the development of drug resistance. Second, we examine data regarding human genetic factors that may play a role in TB drug resistance. We highlight interesting openings for TB research and therapy.