IVD Technology Magazine
IVDT Article Index

Originally published May, 1998

IVD Technology News

DNA probe identifies resistant TB strains

The problem of tuberculosis reemergence has been exacerbated by the coming into being of strains that are resistant to treatment by antibiotics. Most such strains have developed resistance to the drug rifampin.

Now, researchers at the Montefiore Medical Center in New York have discovered that 96% of the rifampin-resistant bacteria have a mutation in a particular gene.

Using a new DNA-based assay, David Alland and colleagues probed the DNA of 75 TB cultures. The test correctly identified all the mutated strains within three hours. Such a test could gain rapid clinical acceptance over slower culture methods, but it will first have to receive FDA clearance. —G.W.