Sputum-spotted solid matrix designed to release diagnostic-gradeMycobacterium tuberculosisDNA demonstrate optimal biocontainment property

Abstract

AbstractBiosafety quotient of a reagent-coated cellulose matrix designed to releaseMycobacterium tuberculosis(Mtb) DNA from sputum deposited onto it, was determined. Thirty-seven sputum samples infected withMtband 5 sputum samples from healthy individuals were processed and spotted onto the TBSend cards. LiveMtbbacilli were attempted for rescue from the spotted TBSend cards by washing them in phosphate buffer under mild shaking conditions. No liveMtbbacilli could be detected by the BACTEC™ MGIT 960™ TB System from bothMtbinfected as well as non-infected, sample-spotted TBSend cards when they were washed at two different time-points,viz., 1 minute and 15 hours from the time of spotting of the cards with sputum mixed with the preprocessing “spotting” buffer. The study reiterated published finding that chaotropic agents, which is an active component of the TBSend card module, have cent per cent bactericidal properties with regard toMtb.