Identification of TBc: Using MTP 64 protein and cord formation

Tuberculosis (TB) is an airborne infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The genus Mycobacterium comprises over 150 species. Non-tuberculosis Mycobacteria are the cause of opportunistic infections and frequently presents with similar clinical features like tuberculosis so species identification is important for management. The current study was designed for presumptive diagnosis of MTB by detecting MPT 64 and Cord formation and the sensitivity and specificity of Cord Formation in MGIT positive samples. A cross sectional study consists of 100 MGIT positive samples. Ziehl-Neelsen Staining was performed to detect Cord Factor and TBc ID was undertaken to detect MPT 64 protein. Out of 100 MGIT positive samples 92 were positive for Cord factor and 08 were negative, whereas 89 samples were positive on MGIT TBc Identification Device and 11 were negative. The sensitivity for TBc ID was 94.6% and specificity was 100% with Positive Predictive Value and Negative Predictive Value of 98.9% and 81.8% respectively. TBc ID and Cord Factor seem to be highly sensitive and specific for rapid diagnosis and accurate differentiation Mycobacterium tuberculosis from Non-tuberculosis.