A first insight into genetic diversity of Mycobacterium bovis isolated from extrapulmonary tuberculosis patients in South Tunisia assessed by spoligotyping and MIRU VNTR.

Introduction: In Tunisia, almost 77% of clinically and bacteriologically diagnosed cases of extrapulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB) are zoonotic TB, caused by M. bovis. Although several studies have analyzed bovine TB in cattle in Tunisia, no study has evaluated the risk of transmission to humans in such an endemic country.

Screening and Detecting in Different Food Matrices in Southern Tunisia Using a Combined Enrichment/Real-Time PCR Method: Correlation with Conventional Culture Method.

A combined enrichment/ newly developed TaqMan real-time PCR (qPCR) method as a screening assay to detect spp. in 500 naturally food matrices is evaluated. DNA template for qPCR was extracted from an overnight pre-enriched sample in buffered peptone water using lysis-guanidine isothiocyanate method.

Genetic diversity assessment of Tunisian Mycobacterium bovis population isolated from cattle.

Background: The genetic diversity of M. bovis in Tunisia is still underestimated despite the implementation of an eradication program. The lack of data about spatial distribution of the M.

First-time detection and identification of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis Complex members in extrapulmonary tuberculosis clinical samples in south Tunisia by a single tube tetraplex real-time PCR assay.

Introduction: Tunisia has one of the highest burdens of extrapulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB) among tuberculosis (TB) cases but the contribution of MTBC-mediated human EPTB is unknown. EPTB diagnosis is challenging due to the paucibacillary nature of clinical samples. Therefore, a need of a simplified molecular method for sensitive and specific TB detection and differentiation of MTBC members caused EPTB remains a priority to an early diagnosis, optimize successful anti-TB treatment and minimize transmission.

Molecular characterization of Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains resistant to isoniazid.

Objective/background: Tuberculosis is a major public health problem and the emergence of drug resistance complicates the situation even more. It is therefore crucial to implement all conclusions from the studies that aim at a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms which govern the emergence and the evolution of drug resistance. The aim of this study is to assess the degree of involvement of the inhA and katG genes in the acquisition of isoniazid resistance in clinical strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Tuberculosis lymphadenitis in a southeastern region in Tunisia: Epidemiology, clinical features, diagnosis and treatment.

Aim: To evaluate patients' profiles, demographics, clinical and therapeutic approaches and strategies in patients with tuberculous lymphadenitis (TBG).

Patients And Methods: A retrospective study of all TBG-confirmed cases admitted in a tuberculosis-specific health care facility between 1 January 2009 and 16 June 2013.

Results: A total of 181 clinical files were examined.

Diagnosis of lymph node tuberculosis using the GeneXpert MTB/RIF in Tunisia.

Introduction: GeneXpert MTB/RIF is a fully-automated diagnostic molecular test which simultaneously detects tuberculosis (TB) and rifampicin (RIF) drug resistance. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the performance of the GeneXpert MTB/RIF test for the detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) in lymph node specimens and to show the place of Mycobacterium bovis as a major cause of TB lymphadenitis.

Material And Methods: This study was conducted simultaneously in the National Reference Laboratory for Mycobacteria of Ariana and the Central Laboratory of Sfax, from January to December 2013.