Direct application of the PCR restriction analysis method for identifying NTM species in AFB smear-positive respiratory specimens |
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| Authors: | S Kim E M Park O J Kwon J H Lee C-S Ki N Y Lee W-J Koh |
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| Institution: | Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea. |
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| Abstract: | The early differentiation of Mycobacterium tuberculosis from non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) and the identification of NTM species are crucial for the proper management of patients with smear-positive sputum. We evaluated the usefulness of a polymerase chain reaction restriction analysis (PRA) method based on the rpoB gene for identifying NTM species in a study of 121 smear-positive respiratory specimens with presumed NTM. The PRA method amplified mycobacterial DNA in 72 specimens (60%) and differentiated NTM species correctly in 68 (94%). The PRA method could be a useful and rapid method for identifying NTM species in smear-positive respiratory specimens when urgent clinical decisions are required. |
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