Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex differentiation by genomic deletion patterns with multiplex polymerase chain reaction and melting analysis.

Differentiation of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTC) species is important for patient management. We developed a genomic deletion assay based on multiplex polymerase chain reaction with melting temperature analysis that correctly identified 124 (96%) of 129 MTC isolates. This assay is a fast single-tube method to differentiate members of MTC.

Pharmacokinetic evaluation of rifabutin in combination with lopinavir-ritonavir in patients with HIV infection and active tuberculosis.

Background: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-associated tuberculosis is difficult to treat, given the propensity for drug interactions between the rifamycins and the antiretroviral drugs. We examined the pharmacokinetics of rifabutin before and after the addition of lopinavir-ritonavir.

Methods: We analyzed 10 patients with HIV infection and active tuberculosis in a state tuberculosis hospital.