Identification of nontuberculous mycobacteria in clinical samples using molecular methods: a 3-year study

Clin Microbiol Infect. 2010 Aug;16(8):1161-4. doi: 10.1111/j.1469-0691.2009.03076.x. Epub 2009 Oct 14.

Abstract

Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are being increasingly isolated in clinical laboratories and present technical and therapeutic challenges. In the present study, we report our experience with the identification of NTM received from 12 Lisbon hospitals over a 3-year period using GenoType Mycobacterium (CM/AS) assays (HAIN Lifescience GmbH, Nehren, Germany). Together, the two kits identified 96.6% of all NTM isolates tested. Among the 18 NTM species identified, Mycobacterium avium complex was the most frequent, although it accounted for only 34% of all NTM. Introducing these methods for the rapid identification of NTM highlights the importance of NTM as potential pathogens and assisted the selection of adequate therapy.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Bacteriological Techniques / methods
  • DNA, Bacterial / genetics
  • Genotype
  • Humans
  • Molecular Diagnostic Techniques / methods
  • Mycobacterium Infections, Nontuberculous / epidemiology*
  • Mycobacterium Infections, Nontuberculous / microbiology*
  • Nontuberculous Mycobacteria / classification*
  • Nontuberculous Mycobacteria / isolation & purification*
  • Portugal / epidemiology
  • Reagent Kits, Diagnostic

Substances

  • DNA, Bacterial
  • Reagent Kits, Diagnostic