DNA sequencing by Microseq kit targeting 16S rRNA gene for species level identification of mycobacteria.

Background & Objectives: Identification of mycobacteria to the species level is of therapeutic significance. Conventional methods are laborious and time consuming so we did 16S rRNA sequencing using a commercial MicroSeq sequencing kit, which includes DNA sequencing with software package for identification and phylogenetic analysis of clinical mycobacterial isolates.

Methods: A total of 47 mycobacteria were tested by both conventional and genotypic method using commercially available MicroSeq 500 amplification kit assay.