PCR method is essential for detecting Mycobacterium tuberculosis in oral cavity samples

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Microbiology
• Oral Health

Background:

• Tuberculosis (TB) is a re-emerging infectious disease.
• Mycobacterium tuberculosis infections are increasing in immunocompromised individuals, including the elderly.
• Dental treatment is common for individuals with TB, raising infection risk concerns in dental clinics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the risk of Mycobacterium tuberculosis transmission in dental settings.
• To determine the detection rates of M. tuberculosis in various oral samples.
• To compare the efficacy of nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with culture methods for M. tuberculosis detection.

Main Methods:

• Nested PCR was used to detect M. tuberculosis in mixed saliva, dental plaque, extracted teeth, caries lesions, and denture plaque samples.
• Culture methods were employed for comparison.
• The inhibitory effects of oral bacteria on M. tuberculosis growth were investigated.

Main Results:

• PCR detected M. tuberculosis in 98.0% of saliva, 92.0% of dental plaque, 89.0% of caries lesions, and 100% of denture plaque samples from TB patients.
• Culture methods showed significantly lower detection rates (17.3% for saliva, 2.0% for dental plaque, 0% for others).
• M. tuberculosis was also detected in samples from non-tuberculous mycobacteria-infected individuals, and certain oral bacteria inhibited M. tuberculosis growth.

Conclusions:

• Nested PCR is a highly sensitive and essential method for detecting Mycobacterium tuberculosis in oral samples.
• The high detection rates highlight potential risks of M. tuberculosis transmission in dental clinics.
• Further research into oral bacterial interactions with M. tuberculosis may inform infection control strategies.