Detection of MPT-64 protein in pleural tuberculosis cases by magnetic bead-gold nanoparticle-PCR amplified immunoassay

AIM: Diagnosis of pleural tuberculosis (TB) is challenging; thus, an efficient method is urgently needed. METHODS: MPT-64 protein in pleural TB patients. AuNPs functionalized with detection antibodies/oligonucleotides were characterized by UV-vis spectroscopy, Transmission/Scanning electron microscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectrometer, ELISA, and PCR, whereas MBs conjugated with detection antibodies were validated by magneto-ELISA/UV-vis spectroscopy. RESULTS: < 0.01) than magneto-ELISA and GeneXpert. CONCLUSION: This is a preliminary report to diagnose pleural TB cases by MB-AuNP-I-PCR with promising results that require further corroboration in a higher number of specimens.