Isabel Portugal leads a group investigating molecular epidemiology and evolution of tuberculosis and studying the mechanisms of resistance to antibacillary drugs. Our laboratory focuses on the genetic diversity of Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains from clinical isolates circulating in Portugal and Portuguese-speaking countries, evaluating the proportion of recently transmitted disease, and identifying factors responsible for dissemination of particular strains and its capacity for adapting, increasing pathogenicity and virulence. The group also offers expertise to assess the anti-microbial activity of new compounds targeting sensitive and drug resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb).