Simultaneous Detection of <b><i>Mycobacterium tuberculosis</i></b> and Atypical Mycobacteria by DNA-Microarray in Egypt

Abstract

<b><i>Background and Objectives:</i></b> Immunocompromised patients are a high-risk group for developing mycobacterial infections with either pulmonary and/or extrapulmonary diseases. Low-cost/density DNA-microarray is considered an easy and efficient method for the detection of typical and atypical mycobacterial species. <b><i>Materials and Methods:</i></b> Thirty immunocompromised patients were recruited to provide their clinical specimens (sputum, serum, urine, and lymph node aspirates). Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and DNA-microarray techniques were performed and compared to the conventional methods of Ziehl-Neelsen staining and Lowenstein Jensen culturing. <b><i>Results:</i></b> <i>Mycobacterium tuberculosis</i> complex was detected in all 30 clinical specimens (100% sensitivity) by real-time PCR and DNA-microarray. Additionally, coinfection with 4 atypical species belonging to nontuberculous mycobacteria was identified in 7 sputum specimens. These atypical mycobacterial species were identified as <i>M. kansasii</i> 10% (<i>n</i> = 3), <i>M. avium</i> complex 6.6% (<i>n</i> = 2), <i>M. gordanae</i> 3.3% (<i>n</i> = 1), and <i>M. peregrinum</i> 3.3% (<i>n</i> = 1). <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> This study documents the presence of certain species of atypical mycobacteria among immunocompromised patients in Egypt.