Nested PCR and the TaqMan SNP Genotyping Assay enhanced the sensitivity of drug resistance testing of Mycobacterium leprae using clinical specimens of leprosy patients.

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND:Although leprosy is efficiently treated by multidrug therapy, resistance to first-line (dapsone, rifampin) and second-line (fluoroquinolones) drugs has been described worldwide. However, the characteristics of drug resistance in Southwest China remain unknown. Furthermore, the sensitivity of polymerase chain reaction (PCR)/sequencing for resistance detection is limited, especially for paucibacillary (PB) leprosy patients. The current study aimed to develop a nested PCR/sequencing and TaqMan SNP Genotyping Assay to increase the sensitivity of the method used to detect drug resistance in Mycobacterium leprae and to reveal the nature of M. leprae drug resistance in Southwest China. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS:Seventy-six specimens, including skin biopsy (n = 64), formalin-fixed

SUBMITTER: Chen X 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6934270 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature