Genomic characterization of MDR/XDR-TB in Kazakhstan by a combination of high-throughput methods predominantly shows the ongoing transmission of L2/Beijing 94-32 central Asian/Russian clusters.

For the first time, the global genetic diversity and population structure of M. tuberculosis genotypes circulating in Kazakhstan was obtained and compared to previous local studies. Results suggest a region-specific spread of a very limited number of L2/Beijing clonal complexes in Kazakhstan many strongly associated with an MDR phenotype.