TBSURE: An Improved Multiplex Real-Time PCR for TB Detection and Differentiation from Nontuberculous Mycobacterial Diseases in Adult Indian Population.

During the last decade, resurgence of TB has been seen in both developed and developing nations; especially due to increase in cases of co-infection with human immune deficiency virus (HIV). India contributes to approximately one quarter of globalTB burden. In 2015, 2.2 million new cases of active TB were detected in India, out of global incidence of 9.6 million.

Rapid and reliable diagnosis of disease is required for early start of lengthy treatment for TB. Acid fast bacterial (AFB) culture followed by Ziehl-Neelsen staining of Mycobacteria is time consuming and often not able to differentiate between tuberculous and nontuberculous mycobacteria. The EPTB is even more difficult to detect by AFB culture and smear methods due to low bacillary load. The paucibacillary nature of EPTB, lack of uniform distribution of mycobacteria at various sites in the body makes the early diagnosis of this disease even more cumbersome.(Read more)