Detection of Drug Resistance in Mycobacterium tuberculosis

Abstract

Drug-resistant tuberculosis (TB), particularly multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) and extensively drug-resistant TB (XDR-TB), is a growing global health concern. Early and accurate detection of drug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) strains is crucial for effective treatment and prevention of transmission. Conventional phenotypic methods, such as the agar proportion method (APM), and molecular techniques, including GeneXpert MTB/RIF and line probe assays (LPA), are widely used to detect resistance to first-line and second-line drugs. Molecular methods offer faster and more reliable results compared to traditional culture-based methods. This study aims to compare the sensitivity, specificity, and clinical relevance of various diagnostic methods for detecting drug resistance in Mtb. The findings suggest that while molecular methods provide quicker and more accurate results, traditional culture methods remain essential for confirming resistance to second-line drugs. The integration of both approaches into TB control programs is recommended for better management of drug-resistant TB.

Keywords: Mycobacterium tuberculosis, drug resistance, MDR-TB, XDR-TB, detection, GeneXpert MTB/RIF, line probe assays.