Since 2013, the World Health Organization has recommended the use of rapid molecular tests as the initial diagnostic step for Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) infection to enhance the control of tuberculosis. In recent years, the prevalence of infections by nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) in humans has also risen, particularly in countries with low tuberculosis incidence, such as Italy. Therefore, the rapid dierentiation between NTM and Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex is crucial for timely therapeutic decisions. This study evaluates a new rapid molecular assay, Standard M10 MTB/NTM, designed to detect MTB, NTM, or co-detection in Mycobacteria Growth Indicator Tube cultures from dierent biological matrices. The assay was validated using 100 positive and 50 negative liquid mycobacteria cultures, already conrmed by specic real-time PCR and Sanger sequencing. Following optimization of assay conditions for culture sample processing and assessment of potential interference, Standard M10 demonstrated excellent sample stability, high specicity, and good sensitivity, identifying all 50 MTB and 49 NTM samples. Some limitations included the non-detection of M. celatum in one case and false positive results (MTB co-infection) in two NTB cases. Nevertheless, overall, the adoption of this test could be considered for laboratory management to enable rapid and eective sample targeting for subsequent diagnostic evaluation and treatment decision-making.
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