• Korean Journal of Clinical Laboratory Science
• /
• v.52 no.4
• /
• pp.349-355
• /
• 2020

Recently, the detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) in respiratory specimens has decreased, and nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) has increased. This study examined the increase in NTM lung disease patients and their age and sex distribution compared to the increase in NTM detection in 132,359 respiratory specimens examined in a Gwangju Secondary Hospital from 2010 to 2019. Furthermore, the prevalence of pulmonary tuberculosis infection in NTM positive patients was investigated. The positive rates of the mycobacterial culture were 21.9% (1,624/7,403) in 2010 and 17.4% (1,937/11,161) in 2019. The NTM recovery rate increased from 38.0% (617/1,624) in 2010 to 72.4% (1,403/1,937) in 2019. The average diagnosis rate of NTM lung disease in the NTM positive patients was 27.1%. Among them, cases of current pulmonary tuberculosis infection decreased from 44.9% in 2010 to 23.4% in 2019, and cases of previous diagnosis or treatment decreased from 15.8% to 10.7%. Of all NTM lung diseases, 69.0% were in their 60s or older, with more females than males. In the future, according to aging and tuberculosis management policies, NTM detection is expected to increase while MTBC decreases and laboratories must pay close attention to this phenomenon and constantly monitor the test results.

• Annals of Laboratory Medicine
• /
• v.38 no.6
• /
• pp.569-577
• /
• 2018

Background: The increasing prevalence of drug-resistant tuberculosis (TB) infection represents a global public health emergency. We evaluated the usefulness of a newly developed multiplexed, bead-based bioassay (Quantamatrix Multiplexed Assay Platform [QMAP], QuantaMatrix, Seoul, Korea) to rapidly identify the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) and detect rifampicin (RIF) and isoniazid (INH) resistance-associated mutations. Methods: A total of 200 clinical isolates from respiratory samples were used. Phenotypic anti-TB drug susceptibility testing (DST) results were compared with those of the QMAP system, reverse blot hybridization (REBA) MTB-MDR assay, and gene sequencing analysis. Results: Compared with the phenotypic DST results, the sensitivity and specificity of the QMAP system were 96.4% (106/110; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.9072-0.9888) and 80.0% (72/90; 95% CI 0.7052-0.8705), respectively, for RIF resistance and 75.0% (108/144; 95% CI 0.6731-0.8139) and 96.4% (54/56; 95% CI 0.8718-0.9972), respectively, for INH resistance. The agreement rates between the QMAP system and REBA MTB-MDR assay for RIF and INH resistance detection were 97.6% (121/124; 95% CI 0.9282-0.9949) and 99.1% (109/110; 95% CI 0.9453-1.0000), respectively. Comparison between the QMAP system and gene sequencing analysis showed an overall agreement of 100% for RIF resistance (110/110; 95% CI 0.9711-1.0000) and INH resistance (124/124; 95% CI 0.9743-1.0000). Conclusions: The QMAP system may serve as a useful screening method for identifying and accurately discriminating MTBC from non-tuberculous mycobacteria, as well as determining RIF- and INH-resistant MTB strains.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
• /
• v.22 no.9
• /
• pp.1301-1306
• /
• 2012

We combined real-time RT-PCR and real-time PCR (R/P) assays using a hydrolysis probe to detect Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC)-specific 16S rRNA and its rRNA gene (rDNA). The assay was applied to 28 non-respiratory and 207 respiratory specimens from 218 patients. Total nucleic acids (including RNA and DNA) were extracted from samples, and results were considered positive if the repeat RT-PCR threshold cycle was ${\leq}35$ and the ratio of real-time RT-PCR and real-time PCR load was ${\geq}1.51$. The results were compared with those from existing methods, including smear, culture, and real-time PCR. Following resolution of the discrepant results between R/P assay and culture, the overall sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive values (PPV), and negative predictive values (NPV) of all samples (including non-respiratory and respiratory specimens) were 98.2%, 97.2%, 91.7%, and 99.4%, respectively, for R/P assay, and 83.9%, 89.9%, 72.3%, and 94.7%, respectively, for real-time PCR. Furthermore, the R/P assay of four patient samples showed a higher ratio before treatment than after several days of treatment. We conclude that the R/P assay is a rapid and accurate method for direct detection of MTBC, which can distinguish viable and nonviable MTBC, and thus may guide patient therapy and public health decisions.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Service
• /
• v.46 no.4
• /
• pp.293-302
• /
• 2023

This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the epidemiological trends and challenges in managing tuberculosis (TB) in livestock in Korea from 2013 to 2022. Tuberculosis, caused by the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex, is a significant zoonotic disease affecting cattle, deer, and other domesticated animals. Despite the initiation of a test-and-slaughter eradication policy in 1964, TB has continued to persist in Korean livestock, particularly in cattle and deer. This study used data from the Korea Animal Health Integrated System and provincial animal health laboratories to analyze TB incidence in various livestock including different cattle breeds and deer species. The results from 2013 to 2022 showed a peak in TB cases in 2019 with a subsequent decline by 2022. The study highlighted a significant incidence of TB in Korean native cattle and the need for amore inclusive approach towards TB testing and control in different cattle breeds. Additionally, the study underscored the importance of addressing TB in other animals such as goats, wildlife, and companion animals for a holistic approach to TB eradication in Korea. The findings suggest that while the test-and-slaughter strategy has been historically effective, there is a need for adaptation to the current challenges, and learning from successful eradiation stories on other countries like Australia. A collaborative effort involving an expanded surveillance system, active private sector participation, and robust government support essential for the efficient eradication of TB in livestock in Korea.