Detection and identification of Mycobacterium species

Abstract

Background: Successful diagnosis and effective treatment for mycobacterial infections are mainly depending on a rapid and sensitive identification method. Objective: To detect and identify the Mycobacterium species. Methodology: PCR and LCD-microarry techniques were compared with the classical methods of Ziehl-Neelsen staining (ZN) and culturing. Two primers based on two conservative regions within the mycobacterium 16S rRNA gene were designed and amplified a DNA fragment of about 1350 bp for both complex of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) and non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM). Results: Regarding to the standard method of culture, 57 positive individuals were identified out of 100 urine samples. The PCR showed 96.30 % sensitivity and 96.70% specificity, while ZN gave Se = 67.50 % and Sp = 100 %. The LCD-microarray analysis exhibited 100 % sensitivity and specificity. One species of MTB was determined as M. tuberculosis and positively represented by 12.3% (n=7). Five species of NTM were determined and represented as M. kansasii 36.8 % (n=21), M. celatum 21 % (n=12), M. gordonae 12.2% (n=7), M. chelonae 10.5 % (n=6), and M. phlei 7% (n=4). Conclusion: The results recommended utilizing the simple and rapid PCR method for early mycobacteria detection. Also, the fast LCD-microarray protocol is very beneficial for identification and differentiation between MTB and of NTM species.

Research progress into the application of Mycobacterium phlei in veterinary medicine

“…M. phlei has the cell wall structure of both gram‐positive (G+) and gram‐negative bacteria (G‐), and it is widely found in soil, plants and drinking water (Gordon & Smith, 1953). Its cell structure is very similar to that of prokaryotic bacteria except for the unique cell wall (Gaber, 2021). M. phlei is practically non‐pathogenic to humans and other animals.…”