Novel Assays/Applications for Patients Suspected of Mycobacterial Diseases

Current Trends in Identification and Susceptibility Testing of Mycobacteria

While Mycobacterium species cause various infections, extrapulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB) and nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) infections were overlooked in the past. However, the incidence rates of these infections have increased over time. Similarly, there are limited testing modalities for diagnosing NTM and EPTB. In this review, we described the contemporary testing methods and associated challenges and benefits for NTM and EPTB.

Evaluation of the GenoType NTM-DR line probe assay for nontuberculous mycobacteria using whole genome sequences as reference standard

Pulmonary nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) disease is an emerging public health challenge that is especially problematic in people with cystic fibrosis (CF). Effective treatment depends on accurate species and subspecies identification and antimicrobial susceptibility status. We evaluated the GenoType NTM-DR VER 1.0 assay using biobanked NTM isolates with whole genome sequence (WGS) data and control isolates (total n=285). Species and subspecies detection sensitivity and specificity were 100 % for all species and subspecies except for two subspecies of M. intracellulare, that demonstrated a small degree of discrepant identification between M. intracellulare subspecies intracellulare and subspecies chimaera. All antimicrobial resistance markers were identified with 100 % sensitivity and specificity. We conclude that the GenoType NTM-DR assay offers a rapid and accurate option for identifying the most frequently encountered pathogenic NTM taxa and drug resistance markers. SUPPORT: Colorado CF Research Development Program and Colorado CF National Resource Centers funded by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, NJH Advanced Diagnostics Laboratories, Colorado Advanced Industries Accelerator Grant.