Real-time PCR for single-nucleotide polymorphism detection in the 16S rRNA gene as an indicator for extensive drug resistance in Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Objectives: A real-time PCR screening system was established for rapid detection of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) at positions 1401, 1402 and 1484 of the 16S rRNA gene of Mycobacterium tuberculosis leading to resistance to amikacin, kanamycin and capreomycin. Resistances to the respective drugs may indicate the presence of an extensively drug-resistant (XDR) strain of M. tuberculosis.

Rapid identification of multidrug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates by rpoB gene scanning using high-resolution melting curve PCR analysis.

Background: Multidrug-resistant (MDR) Mycobacterium tuberculosis poses a serious threat to the control of tuberculosis (TB) and constitutes an increasing public health problem. The availability of rapid in vitro susceptibility tests is a prerequisite for optimal patient treatment. Rifampicin resistance caused by diverse mutations in the rpoB gene is an established and widely used surrogate marker for MDR-TB.