Efficient Differentiation of Mycobacterium abscessus Complex Isolates to the Species Level by a Novel PCR-Based Variable-Number Tandem-Repeat Assay

摘要

A novel duplex PCR method based on variable-number tandem-repeat targets to discriminate among Mycobacterium abscessus complex isolates was developed and evaluated in 85 clinical isolates. The assay accuracy was confirmed by a multiple-target sequence analysis. The duplex PCR assay is a one-step, reliable, and accurate assay for discriminating M. abscessus species.