Rapid identification of multidrug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates by rpoB gene scanning using high-resolution melting curve PCR analysis

Abstract

With a positive predictive value of 100% and a negative predictive value of at least 99.9%, this combined HRM curve analysis is an ideal screening method for the TB laboratory, with minimal requirements of cost and time. The method is a closed-tube assay that can be performed in an interchangeable 96- or 384-well microplate format enabling a rapid, reliable, simple and cost-effective handling of even large sample numbers.