molecular identification of multiple drug resistance (MDR) strain of mycobacterium tuberculosis

Abstract

Background and objectives: Isoniazid and rifampin are the first -line drug against Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Resistance to these important drugs is a serious threat to human public health. Therefore this study aimed at molecular detection of resistance to these valuable drugs. Materials and methods: In this descriptive cross-sectional study, 111 non - duplicated clinical samples including sputum and Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) samples were collected from patients referred to Ardabil Health Center between 2017-2020. The samples were first examined by microscopic method, then their DNA was extracted using the boiling method. Specific primers and MAS-PCR method were employed for the detection resistance to isoniazid and rifampin drugs and identification of MDR strain. Results: of 111 specimens, 15.3% belonged to NTM. In total, the resistance rate to isoniazid and rifampin was 17% and 27% respectively while the resistance rate to isoniazid and rifampin among NTM was 61.54% and 38.46%. Conclusion: In our study, the prevalence of resistance to isoniazid and rifampin among Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex(MTC) and non-tuberculous mycobacteria(NTM) was investigated using the MAS-PCR method. This work highlighted the high anti- tuberculosis resistance rate among NTM compared to MTC strains.