Growing concerns about the spread of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) and the emergence of extensively drug-resistant TB have triggered substantial interest in the development and application of rapid tests for the detection of drug-resistant TB. Molecular assays to detect gene mutations that signal drug resistance are widely recognized as being most suited for rapid diagnosis. Among m...

Abstract Background The aim of the current study was to improve our understanding origins and transmission Mycobacterium africanum (MAF) in Norway. Methods Whole-genome sequences (WGS) were generated for all ( n = 29) available clinical isolates received at Norwegian National Reference Laboratory Mycobacteria (NRL) identified as MAF Norway, period 2010–2020. Phylogenetic analyses performed. Res...

BACKGROUND Fast and reliable detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) and drug resistance is crucial in establishing effective treatment and enforcing timely public health measures. METHODS The authors analysed the performance of a national U.K. molecular diagnostic service over a decade, based on the use of a line probe assay (Innolipa, LiPA) compared with conventional liquid a...