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Updated: Sep 27, 2025
Identification of Mycobacterium Species by DNA Microarray Chip Method
Published on: June 24, 2025
Simultaneous Detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Atypical Mycobacteria by DNA-Microarray in Egypt
Ahmed Gaballah1, Abeer Ghazal1, Reda Almiry2
1Microbiology Department, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt.
Background And Objectives:
Immunocompromised patients are a high-risk group for developing mycobacterial infections with either pulmonary and/or extrapulmonary diseases. Low-cost/density DNA-microarray is considered an easy and efficient method for the detection of typical and atypical mycobacterial species.
Materials And Methods:
Thirty immunocompromised patients were recruited to provide their clinical specimens (sputum, serum, urine, and lymph node aspirates). Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and DNA-microarray techniques were performed and compared to the conventional methods of Ziehl-Neelsen staining and Lowenstein Jensen culturing.
Results:
Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex was detected in all 30 clinical specimens (100% sensitivity) by real-time PCR and DNA-microarray. Additionally, coinfection with 4 atypical species belonging to nontuberculous mycobacteria was identified in 7 sputum specimens. These atypical mycobacterial species were identified as M. kansasii 10% (n = 3), M. avium complex 6.6% (n = 2), M. gordanae 3.3% (n = 1), and M. peregrinum 3.3% (n = 1).
Conclusion:
This study documents the presence of certain species of atypical mycobacteria among immunocompromised patients in Egypt.
