Genotypic Characterization of Drug Resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Non- Tuberculous Mycobacteria in Clinical Samples from Presumptive Residents in Rivers State, Nigeria

Tuberculosis is a life-threatening infectious disease that is responsible for the death of most people all over the world. It is characterized by coughing, fever, night sweats and loss of weight due to the pathology of Mycobacterium tuberculosis that causes the disease. In some cases, other forms of the bacterium belonging to the genus Mycobacteria known as Non-Mycobacterium tuberculosis mimic the infection in immunocompromised and comorbid individuals. Characterization of these bacteria is significant in the diagnosis and management of tuberculosis.