Research Notes
Identification of nontuberculous mycobacteria in clinical samples using molecular methods: a 3-year study

https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1469-0691.2009.03076.xGet rights and content
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Abstract

Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are being increasingly isolated in clinical laboratories and present technical and therapeutic challenges. In the present study, we report our experience with the identification of NTM received from 12 Lisbon hospitals over a 3-year period using GenoType Mycobacterium (CM/AS) assays (HAIN Lifescience GmbH, Nehren, Germany). Together, the two kits identified 96.6% of all NTM isolates tested. Among the 18 NTM species identified, Mycobacterium avium complex was the most frequent, although it accounted for only 34% of all NTM. Introducing these methods for the rapid identification of NTM highlights the importance of NTM as potential pathogens and assisted the selection of adequate therapy.

Keywords

Atypical
identification
molecular
mycobacteria
nontuberculous

Cited by (0)

Editor: M. Drancourt

Article published online: 14 October 2009