Rapid differentiation of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and M. bovis by high-resolution melt curve analysis

Identification and characterization of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains are important for clinical and therapeutic management of tuberculosis. Real-time PCR with a high-resolution melt assay was found to improve the diagnostic process. The assay includes differentiation between M. tuberculosis and Mycobacterium bovis based on one single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the narGHJI and oxyR genes and determination of M. bovis based on the region of differences 1 (RD1). This assay correctly identified the 7 tested Mycobacterium reference strains and 52 clinical samples with a sensitivity of 2 pg DNA. This assay will help in prescribing adequate treatment and monitoring disease dynamics.