Utility and diagnostic performance of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex by two immunochromatographic assays as compared with the molecular Genotype assay in Nigeria.

Pokam Benjamin Thumamo (1) , Anne E. Asuquo (2) , Khye Seng Goh (3) , Lydia N. Abia-Bassey (2) , Nalin Rastogi (3)

1 Department of Medical Laboratory Science
2 Department of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Medical Sciences
3 Institut Pasteur de la Guadeloupe

Among the disadvantages of smear microscopy for detection of tuberculosis cases is its inability to differentiate between Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) and non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM). This study evaluated two, new immunochromatographic assays - Capilia TB-Neo and SD Bioline - on unheated and heated cultures at 80 C for 30 min respectively for their ability to discriminate between MTB complex and NTM as compared with the molecular Genotype assay. Mycobacteria used in the study were obtained from smear-positive specimens collected from patients at four major hospitals in Cross River State, Nigeria. Capilia TB-Neo and SD Bioline showed sensitivities of 98.8% and 93.8% respectively and 100% specificity for both assays. Heating the isolates did not significantly impact the test performance. Both tests are recommended for use in rapid differentiation of strains isolated in Nigeria.

Keywords: Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex; Non-tuberculous mycobacteria; Capilia TB-Neo; SD Bioline; Heated strains

Domains: Bacteriology

Pokam Benjamin Thumamo, Anne E. Asuquo, Khye Seng Goh, Lydia N. Abia-Bassey, Nalin Rastogi. Utility and diagnostic performance of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex by two immunochromatographic assays as compared with the molecular Genotype assay in Nigeria.. International Journal of Mycobacteriology, 2013, 2 (1), pp.34-37. ⟨10.1016/j.ijmyco.2012.12.002⟩. ⟨pasteur-00815569⟩