A Case of a 63-bp Deletion in the mpt64 Gene of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Strains Which Showed False Negativity in the Immunochromatographic Assay / 대한임상미생물학회지

ABSTRACT

Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) is discriminated from non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) via an immunochromatographic assay (ICA) which is based on the reactions of monoclonal antibodies against MPT64, one of the predominant proteins excreted by MTBC. Recently, the authors of the present study discovered SD TB-negative Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains. In addition, sequence analysis of the mpt64 genes in these strains was performed and showed a deletion of 63 bp from nucleotides 196 to 258. In cases of MPT64-negative mycobacterium, the authors recommend performing TB PCR for correct diagnosis.