Detection and identification of Mycobacterium species

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.