Development of a Cost-Effective Line Probe Assay for Rapid Detection and Differentiation of Mycobacterium Species: A Pilot Study

摘要

The line probe assay (LPA) is one of the most accurate diagnostic tools for detection of different species. Several commercial kits based on the LPA for detection of Mycobacterium species are currently available. Because of their high cost, especially for underdeveloped and developing countries, and the discrepancy of non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) prevalence across geographic regions, it would be reasonable to consider the development of an in-house LPA. The aim of this study was to develop an LPA to detect and differentiate mycobacterial species and to evaluate the usefulness of PCR-LPA for direct application on clinical samples.