Considering best practice standards for routine whole-genome sequencing for TB care and control.

TB is a priority pathogen for the application of whole-genome sequencing (WGS) into routine public health practice. In low-incidence settings, a growing number of services have begun to incorporate routine WGS into standard practice. The increasing availability of real-time genomic information supports a variety of aspects of the public health response, including the detection of drug resistance, monitoring of laboratory and clinical practices, contact tracing investigations and active case finding.

Changing Incidence and Characteristics of Nontuberculous Mycobacterial Infections in Scotland and Comparison With Complex Incidence (2011 to 2019).

Background: An increase in infections with nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) has been noted globally, and their incidence has overtaken that of complex (MTBc) in many countries. Using data from a national reference laboratory, we aimed to determine if this trend could be observed in Scotland.

Methods: We undertook a retrospective review of all NTM isolates received by the Scottish Mycobacteria Reference Laboratory (SMRL) over 9 years from 2011 to 2019 inclusive.

Performance of lipid fingerprint by routine matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight for the diagnosis of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex species.

Objectives: Rapid detection of bacterial pathogens at species and sub-species levels is crucial for appropriate treatment, infection control, and public health management. Currently, one of the challenges in clinical microbiology is the discrimination of mycobacterial sub-species within the M. tuberculosis complex (MTBC).