Limitation for all molecular methods: Like all molecular methods- does not differentiate between viable and nonviable bacteria. Thus not useful for treatment follow up as patient may cough out dead TB bacilli for many years after cure.
Different available molecular methods include- Gene-Xpert MTB DNA PCR Genotype Line Probe Assay MTB Detection and First line drug sensitivity (GENOTYPE MTB) Second line drug sensitivity (GENOTYPE MTB Second line) MTBC Species identification (GENOTYPE MTB Complex) NTM Species identification (GENOTYPE Mycobacterium CM) 1) Gene Xpert RIF: (Cartridge based Nested Real Time PCR) Gene Xpert is WHO endorsed and recommended over other tests for Extra-pulmonary samples based on published studies Indication: For untreated patients with clinical suspicion of TB For rapid detection of MTB and Rifampicin drug resistance (MDR-TB strain) for both pulmonary and…
