Rapid screening of mutations for second-line-drug-resistant genes in Mycobacterium tuberculosis culture isolates by in-house developed DNA bio-chip.
Rapid DNA biochip detects second-line drug resistance in tuberculosis, a critical tool for managing multidrug-resistant cases and curbing the spread of this deadly disease.
This study developed an in-house DNA biochip to rapidly screen for mutations conferring resistance to second-line tuberculosis drugs. The biochip showed high sensitivity (75-100%) and specificity (96.7-100%) in detecting resistance to fluoroquinolones and second-line injectable drugs, with a detection limit of ~250 genome copies. This innovative approach can significantly reduce the time required for drug susceptibility testing, enabling faster treatment decisions and better management of drug-resistant tuberculosis cases. The biochip's potential for clinical use and epidemiological surveillance highlights its importance in the fight against the growing threat of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis.