Diagnosis of active tuberculosis disease: From microscopy to molecular techniques. (August 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Caulfield, Adam J.; Wengenack, Nancy L.
• Is Part Of: Journal of clinical tuberculosis and other mycobacterial diseases. Volume 4(2016)
• Page Start: 33
• Page End: 43
• Publication Date: 2016-08
• Subjects: Acid-fast staining -- Sputum processing -- Tuberculosis culture -- MALDI-TOF -- Sequencing -- GeneXpert MTB/RIF assay; Tuberculosis -- Periodicals; Mycobacterial diseases -- Periodicals; 616.995
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jctube.2016.05.005
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2405-5794

Abstract

Abstract: Methods used for the laboratory diagnosis of tuberculosis are continually evolving in order to achieve more rapid, less expensive, and accurate results. Acid-fast staining and culture for mycobacteria remain at the core of any diagnostic algorithm. Following growth in culture, molecular technologies such as nucleic acid hybridization probes, MALDI-TOF MS, and DNA sequencing may be used for definitive species identification. Nucleic acid amplification methods allow for the direct detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex within respiratory specimens without relying on culture growth, leading to more rapid diagnoses and appropriate patient care.