Evaluation of a Commercial Multiplex Real-Time PCR with Melting Curve Analysis for the Detection of <i>Mycobacterium tuberculosis</i> Complex and Five Nontuberculous Mycobacterial Species
Background: Accurate and timely diagnosis of mycobacterial infections, including <i>Mycobacterium tuberculosis</i> complex (MTBC) and nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM), is crucial for effective disease management. Methods: This study evaluated the performance of the NeoPlex TB/NTM-5 Dete...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
MDPI AG
2024-12-01
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| Series: | Microorganisms |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2607/13/1/26 |
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| Summary: | Background: Accurate and timely diagnosis of mycobacterial infections, including <i>Mycobacterium tuberculosis</i> complex (MTBC) and nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM), is crucial for effective disease management. Methods: This study evaluated the performance of the NeoPlex TB/NTM-5 Detection Kit (NeoPlex assay, Seongnam, Republic of Korea), a multiplex real-time PCR assay that incorporates melting curve analysis, compared with the line-probe assay (LPA). The NeoPlex assay could simultaneously detect and differentiate MTBC from five other NTM species: <i>Mycobacterium intracellulare</i>, <i>Mycobacterium avium</i>, <i>Mycobacterium kansasii</i>, <i>Mycobacterium abscessus</i>, and <i>Mycobacterium massiliense</i>. A total of 91 acid-fast bacillus culture-positive samples, comprising 36 MTBC and 55 NTM isolates, were collected from the Korea University Anam Hospital. Results: The NeoPlex assay successfully detected nucleic acids in 87 of the 91 isolates (95.6%). Notably, it identified additional mycobacterial nucleic acids not detected by the LPA in eight isolates. These findings were confirmed via DNA sequencing. The assay had 100% sensitivity and specificity for <i>M. intracellulare</i>, <i>M. abscessus</i>, <i>M. massilense</i>, NTM, and MTBC, whereas it had 100% specificity and sensitivity of 90.9% and 75.0% for <i>M. avium</i> and <i>M. kansasii</i>, respectively. Conclusions: These results highlight the potential of the NeoPlex assay to enhance rapid and accurate diagnosis of mycobacterial infections, particularly in settings in which prompt treatment initiation is essential. |
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| ISSN: | 2076-2607 |