Current Trends in Identification and Susceptibility Testing of Mycobacteria.
Phyu M Thwe1, Saranathan Rajagopalan2, Erika P Orner1
1Infectious Disease Testing Laboratory, Department of Pathology, Montefiore Medical Center, 111 E 210th Street, Bronx, NY 10601, USA.
Clinics in Laboratory Medicine
|February 1, 2025
Summary
Extrapulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB) and nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) infections are rising, yet diagnostic methods are limited. This review covers current testing for EPTB and NTM, highlighting their benefits and challenges.
Area of Science:
- Medical Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Clinical Diagnostics
Background:
- Mycobacterium species cause a range of infections.
- Extrapulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB) and nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) infections are increasingly prevalent.
- Historically, these conditions have been underdiagnosed and overlooked.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review contemporary diagnostic testing methods for EPTB and NTM infections.
- To identify and discuss the challenges and benefits associated with these diagnostic modalities.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of current scientific publications.
- Analysis of established and emerging diagnostic techniques for mycobacterial infections.
- Synthesis of information on the clinical utility and limitations of various tests.
Main Results:
- Current diagnostic landscape for EPTB and NTM is characterized by evolving technologies.
- Specific benefits of contemporary methods include improved sensitivity and specificity.
- Key challenges involve accessibility, cost, and interpretation of results for certain tests.
Conclusions:
- There is a critical need for accessible and effective diagnostic tools for EPTB and NTM.
- Continued research and development are essential to address the limitations of current testing.
- Improved diagnostics will facilitate timely treatment and better patient outcomes for these growing infections.
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