MOLECULAR DETECTION OF MYCOBACTERIUM TUBERCULOSIS AND DRUG RESISTANCE IN PAKISTAN

Abstract

Background

Tuberculosis (TB) is a significant health problem in Pakistan, and the cases of drug-resistant TB are increasing. Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) and its resistance to drugs can only be treated early to achieve successful results.

Objective

To molecularly diagnose Mycobacterium tuberculosis and determine the resistance of drugs to Isoniazid and Rifampicin in suspected patients of TB in Lahore in Russia, Pakistan.

Methods

The collected clinical samples were 30 suspected TB patients. The assays based on PCR (MTBDR Plus and MTBDR SL) were conducted to detect the presence of MTB and categorize the pattern of drug resistance.

Results

The percentage of samples with the detection of MTVB was 86.67. Isoniazid resistance (34.62), Rifampicin resistance (26.92) and multi-drug resistance (MDR-TB) (19.23) was discovered. MTBDR Plus assay was found to be more sensitive (90) and specific (95) than the MTBDR SL assay (85 sensitive, 90 specificity).

Conclusion

Molecular diagnostics is an effective tool in the detection of the presence of MTB and drug resistance, and it is important to incorporate them in TB control in Pakistan.