Novel primer-probe sets for detection and identification of mycobacteria by PCR-microarray assay

A PCR-microarray assay was developed in which PCR primers and hybridization probes were designed for the 16S rRNA genes of 16 clinically relevant mycobacteria and for IS6110 of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The assay, based on a multiplex PCR followed by hybridization with oligonucleotide probes, was tested against 16 Mycobacterium species and 70 clinical samples.