Targeted next-generation sequencing: a Swiss army knife for mycobacterial diagnostics?. Issue 3 (18th March 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mohamed, Sagal; Köser, Claudio U.; Salfinger, Max; Sougakoff, Wladimir; Heysell, Scott K.
• Is Part Of: European respiratory journal. Volume 57:Issue 3(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-03-18
• Subjects: Respiratory organs -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Respiration -- Periodicals; 616.2
• DOI: 10.1183/13993003.04077-2020
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0903-1936

Abstract

The genus Mycobacterium encompasses almost 200 species that fall into four main groups [1]. Specifically, the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC), the causative agent of tuberculosis (TB) and leading cause of death by a single infectious agent, is distinguished from mycobacteria causing Buruli ulcer and leprosy [2, 3]. The remaining species are referred to as nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM), which mainly cause lung disease and have become more frequent in many parts of the world, particularly amongst older patients [4]. Like a multifunctional Swiss army knife, Deeplex offers unprecedented versatility directly from the clinical sample and represents a welcome addition to the diagnostic and epidemiological toolbox https://bit.ly/38s6ukF