The Value of Sputum Polymerase Chain Reaction for Detection of Nontuberculous Mycobacteria in Cystic Fibrosis Patients With Negative Nontuberculous Mycobacteria Sputum Culture Publisher



Mirlohi SH¹ ; Eftekhari K² ; Shirzadi R¹ ; Fateh A³ ; Masoumi M⁴ ; Modaresi M¹
Source: Medical Journal of the Islamic Republic of Iran Published:2022

Abstract

Background: Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is a life-threatening autosomal recessive disease. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the value of Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) in CF patients with Nontuberculous Mycobacteria (NTM) negative sputum culture. Methods: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study. The population included all children with CF, aged between 5 - 18 years old, with an NTM negative sputum culture. The patient's sputum samples were sent for smear and culture of NTM, RFLP PCR, and PCR sequence. Results: In total, 57 CF patients with negative NTM sputum culture were enrolled. Nine patients (15.78%) had positive sputum PCR for NTM. Among these strains, Mycobacterium simiae was the most common one with 5 cases (8.77% of total positive cases). Conclusion: PCR can be used as an alternative diagnostic method for NTM in CF patients with negative NTM sputum culture, always under clinical suspicion of the disease. © 2022 Iran University of Medical Sciences. All Rights Reserved.