Direct Detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in Clinical Specimens Using Nucleic Acid Amplification Tests

Tuberculosis continues to be a significant cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Rapid detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis directly in clinical specimens using nucleic acid amplification tests enables infected patients to be placed on appropriate therapy much sooner than when results of conventional culture methods are used. The availability of rapid results also facilitates infection control measures to interrupt transmission of tuberculosis in healthcare settings. The era of commercially available molecular diagnostics for detection of M. tuberculosis began 25 years ago and now encompasses multiple assays that can detect organisms in the M. tuberculosis complex. Several assays also detect chromosomal mutations associated with antimicrobial resistance to further refine therapeutic strategies early in the course of disease. NAATs have revolutionized the diagnosis of TB across the globe and have become the standard of care in many high-burden developing countries.