Molecular Detection of Mycobacterium Other Than Tuberculosis among Patients with Pulmonary Tuberculosis

Abstract

The aim of this study was to isolate Mycobacterium other than Tuberculosis (MOTTs) among patients with pulmonary infection in Khartoum State and to evaluate the usefulness of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) as a rapid test that may substitute the former tedious technique. 171 sputum samples were collected from suspected pulmonary tuberculosis patients at the National Health Laboratory, Elasha’ab Teaching Hospital, Abo Anga Hospital, Ibrahem Malik Hospital and Academy Charity Hospital. Patients were consented and informed. All sputum samples (171) were inculcated. 40 (23.4%) of isolates give characteristic growth of Mcobacterium tuberculosis, were identified according to their Ziehl-Neelsen stain, and cultural characteristic. 10 (9%) isolate identify as rapidly grower 6 out of 10 isolates were identified as MOTTs according to their indirect Ziehl-Neelsen stain, cultural characteristic and biochemical proprieties. Ten rapidly grower isolates were subjected to PCR. Six isolate showed a band typical in size (136 bp) to target gene (rpoB) as indicated by the standard DNA marker. Two isolates were showed negative result for the target gene. In this study, males were found to be more affected than females (73.3%). The patient between 21-50 years was the most affected with TB and NTM. The results obtained from this study revealed clearly the importance of conventional methods including Z.N stain and culture techniques in the diagnosis of TB and NTM, and the effectiveness of PCR as rapid and promising diagnostic tool which may substitute the formal tedious technique.