Method for rapid identification and differentiation of the species of the Mycobacterium chelonae complex based on 16S-23S rRNA gene internal transcribed spacer PCR-restriction analysis.

ABSTRACT: Members of the Mycobacterium chelonae complex (MCC), including M. immunogenum, M. chelonae, and M. abscessus, have been associated with nosocomial infections and occupational hypersensitivity pneumonitis due to metalworking fluid (MWF) exposures. In order to minimize these health hazards, an effective and rapid assay for detection of MCC species and differentiation of MCC species from other species of rapidly growing mycobacteria (RGM) and from one another is warranted. Here we report such a method, based on the variable 16S-23S rRNA gene internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region. Mycobacterium genus-specific primers derived from highly conserved sequences in the ITS region and the flanking 16S rRNA gene were used. Specificity of the primers was verified using the MCC member species, 11 non

SUBMITTER: Khan IU 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1234067 | biostudies-literature | 2005 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature