Identification And Molecular Characterization Of Non-Tuberculous Mycobacteria In Tuberculosis Suspected Patients.

Abstract

Introduction: The study aims to identify and characterize nontuberculous mycobacteria at the molecular level in patients suspected of having tuberculosis, as standardized identification criteria are recommended by the American Thoracic Society for quicker clinical and laboratory procedures.

Method: 772 samples were collected from 386 patients (2 each) in selected districts of Jammu and Kashmir. In addition to phenotypic, molecular methods were also used to detect the number and species of Non tuberculosis mycobacteria. Records of patients were collected for clinical information, such as symptoms and radiological findings. Results: Out of 772 samples, 180 (23.31%) were positive for acid-fast bacteria, with 164 (91.11%) and 16 (8.89%) identified as M. tuberculosis complex and NTM strains. Mycobacterium abscessus and M. intracellular isolates were the most frequent. Common symptoms included cough, fever, shortness of breath, weight loss, sputum production, appetite loss, night sweating, and thrombocytosis. Conclusion: A study of 386 patients revealed that most were over 40 years old, with a higher rate of non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) infections in males. Common symptoms included cough, fever, shortness of breath, weight loss, and sputum production. Positive cultures showed 91.11% MTB complexes and 8.89% NTM growth. The study identified 5 different mycobacterial species with 100% concordance