The use of digital PCR to improve the application of quantitative molecular diagnostic methods for tuberculosis

Creative Commons License

Devonshire A. S., O'Sullivan D. M., Honeyborne I., Jones G., Karczmarczyk M., Pavsic J., ...More

BMC INFECTIOUS DISEASES, vol.16, 2016 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 16
  • Publication Date: 2016
  • Doi Number: 10.1186/s12879-016-1696-7
  • Journal Name: BMC INFECTIOUS DISEASES
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Keywords: Digital PCR, Diagnostics, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, POLYMERASE-CHAIN-REACTION, GUIDELINES MINIMUM INFORMATION, ASSESSING TREATMENT RESPONSE, BACTERIAL LOAD ASSAY, XPERT MTB/RIF ASSAY, AMPLIFICATION ASSAYS, MYCOBACTERIAL LOAD, BACILLARY LOAD, QUANTIFICATION, CULTURE
  • Acibadem Mehmet Ali Aydinlar University Affiliated: No

Abstract

Background: Real-time PCR (qPCR) based methods, such as the Xpert MTB/RIF, are increasingly being used to diagnose tuberculosis (TB). While qualitative methods are adequate for diagnosis, the therapeutic monitoring of TB patients requires quantitative methods currently performed using smear microscopy. The potential use of quantitative molecular measurements for therapeutic monitoring has been investigated but findings have been variable and inconclusive. The lack of an adequate reference method and reference materials is a barrier to understanding the source of such disagreement. Digital PCR (dPCR) offers the potential for an accurate method for quantification of specific DNA sequences in reference materials which can be used to evaluate quantitative molecular methods for TB treatment monitoring.