Evaluation of a PCR-Based Universal Heteroduplex Generator Assay as a Tool for Rapid Detection of Multidrug-Resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis in Peru

摘要

Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis is an increasing health problem worldwide, especially in developing countries. The PCR-UHG-Rif assay, which detects mutations within the rpoB gene associated with rifampin resistance, was evaluated for its ability and reliability to detect and identify drug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis in a developing country where tuberculosis is highly endemic.