Novel Assays/Applications for Patients Suspected of Mycobacterial Diseases

Although tuberculosis is slowly decreasing, nontuberculous mycobacterial lung disease is significantly increasing. We describe new methods and applications for faster turnaround times in the diagnosis of tuberculosis and nontuberculous mycobacterial lung disease and have included the latest mycobacterial taxonomy. Although the focus is mainly on molecular assays, we also discuss improvements of acid-fast bacilli smear microscopy and stress the need for performing minimal inhibitory concentration determinations especially for tuberculosis. Additionally, important considerations for negative nucleic acid amplification assay results used for releasing tuberculosis suspects from airborne infection isolation rooms saving precious resources for the health care system, are also included.