The Ministry of Public Health delivered 144 targeted sequencing tests to the Dr. Leopoldo Izquieta Pérez National Institute of Public Health Research (INSPI) on March 17. The initiative, led by Vice President María José Pinto, aims to improve the scientific capacity for detecting drug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis and expand genomic analysis in Ecuador.
This development is significant as it supports timely diagnosis and treatment for people with tuberculosis through direct sample testing. The investment in these sequencing kits exceeds USD 12,000.
The kits will be used at INSPI’s National Reference Center for Genomics, Sequencing, and Bioinformatics, where a pilot project is underway focusing on genomic analysis of the bacteria that causes tuberculosis. The technology uses a targeted next-generation sequencing (NGS) panel that amplifies specific regions of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis genome where mutations linked to drug resistance occur.
Unlike whole-genome sequencing, this method analyzes primary samples without the need for culturing, allowing for faster, more cost-effective results that are easier to interpret. This approach strengthens Ecuador’s ability to conduct genomic surveillance of tuberculosis and supports clinical decision-making regarding new therapeutic regimens introduced in recent years.
With this initiative, the Ministry of Public Health and INSPI continue to promote advanced scientific tools to support the national health system in early detection and control of infectious diseases. These efforts align with international strategies aimed at reducing the global impact of tuberculosis.
