1Ph. D Scholar, Bharath University, Agaram Road, Selaiyur, Chennai, Tamilnadu
2Professor, Dept. of Microbiology, Sri Lakshminarayana Institite of Medical Sciences, Pondicherry
3Professor, Dept. of Biochemistry, Sri Lakshminarayana Institite of Medical Sciences, Pondicherry
Online published on 7 December, 2018.
Rapid differentiation of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) and Non tuberculosis mycobacteria (NTM) is crucial to facilitate early and effective treatment of the patients. An immunochemistry-based MPT64 antigen detection test (MPT64 test) has reported higher sensitivity in the rapid diagnosis of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and differentiation from non tuberculous mycobacterium compared with conventional methods.
A total of 927 clinical specimens were processed for tuberculosis. All the samples were decontaminated using NALC-NaOH and re-suspended sediments were inoculated for culture in Bact Alert 3D automation system, and in LJ media with Para nitro benzoic acid(Hi media) at a concentration of 500 μg/ml.
Of the 927 specimens processed for acid-fast bacilli, 462 were positive on solid and liquid media. 371 of the 462 positive cultures were identified as Mycobacterium tuberculosis, 91 isolates were identified as Nontuberculous mycobacteria by PRA-hsp65, PRA-16S 23S rRNA ITS. 368 out of 371 positive results for M.tuberculosis by MPT64 TB rapid test. Of the 91 Non tuberculous mycobacteria 90 had exhibited growth on LJ media with para nitro benzoic acid.
Proper diagnosis is the first step towards better management and prevention of tuberculosis transmission. The immunochromatographic assay is a simple and rapid test with high specificity in discriminating between Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex and Non tuberculous mycobacteria in liquid cultures.
Para nitro benzoic acid, MPT64 TB rapid test, Non tuberculosis mycobacteria, Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex
