Mixed Multiplex Allele-Specific PCR (MiMAS-PCR) test for rapid detection of MDR and XDR-TB from the sputum of pulmonary TB patients

Abstract Until now, Multi-Drug Resistant TB (MDR-TB) and Extended Drug-Resistant TB (XDR-TB) are still challenging to detect rapidly, since the gold standard culture method takes at least eight weeks to achieve diagnostic results. In this research, we designed a rapid and accurate detection method to detect MDR and XDR-TB using a technique which identifies specific genes encoding susceptibility to first and second-line anti-TB drugs combined in a PCR technique called Mixed Multiplex Allele-Specific Polymerase Chain Reaction (MiMAS-PCR) directly from sputum specimens. From total 117 sputum samples, The MiMAS-PCR test demonstrated 98.4% and 100% specificity in MDR-TB and XDR-TB detection, respectively, but the sensitivity is only suitable for rapid detection of XDR-TB (100%), not for MDR-TB (43.9%). The MiMAS-PCR technique is suitable for the rapid detection of XDR-TB (in this study, only one sample), but not for MDR-TB from the sputum specimens. Other methods are required to identify MDR-TB rapidly for early treatment and to prevent spread to their surrounding contacts.