Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Mycobacterium bovis
The test is designed for detection of human and bovine tuberculosis mycobacteria (Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Mycobacterium bovis) DNA without differentiation in human biological material by real-time PCR.
Category «Other infections»
Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Mycobacterium bovis
Mycobacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Mycobacterium bovis belong to the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex, whose members are the causative agents of tuberculosis. The disease is one of the most widespread infections in the world and is characterized by the development of cell-mediated hypersensitivity and the formation of granulomas in affected tissues. The primary localization of the infection is the respiratory system (lungs). The development of a generalized form of the disease is possible, affecting the liver, spleen, kidneys, intestines, meninges, and other organs and systems. Tuberculosis is a socially significant disease and poses a serious public health problem due to the development of multidrug-resistant and extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis worldwide.
Tuberculosis mycobacteria possess a number of unique properties that ensure their high virulence and ability to persist for a long time in the body.
- Ability for intracellular parasitism. M. tuberculosis enters macrophages and prevents their activation, allowing the bacteria to evade the immune response.
- High resistance in the external environment. Mycobacteria can persist in dust, soil, and water for several months.
- Production of virulence factors. The main pathogenicity factor of mycobacteria is the cord factor: a glycolipid of the cell wall. The cord factor suppresses leukocyte migration, damages mitochondrial membranes, inhibits phagolysosome formation, suppresses the activity of lysosomal enzymes, and promotes microbial cell adhesion. Proteins (tuberculoproteins) are the main carriers of the antigenic properties of mycobacteria and cause the formation of delayed-type hypersensitivity.
- Acid-fastness, alkali-fastness, alcohol-fastness. The high lipid content determines these properties, which makes staining and diagnosis of mycobacteria difficult by conventional methods.
- Slow growth. The doubling time of mycobacteria is 12–24 hours, and they multiply extremely slowly on artificial media, making their cultivation difficult.
The main route of tuberculosis transmission is airborne: via droplets and dust. An infected person, when coughing, sneezing, and talking, releases tiny particles of sputum containing mycobacteria, which can remain in the air for a long time.
Routes of transmission
- Alimentary route: infection through the consumption of milk or meat from infected animals without prior heat treatment (M. bovis).
- Contact route: infection through damaged skin or mucous membranes when using items belonging to an ill person (dishes, clothing, books) or when caring for infected animals.
- Transplacental route: transmission from mother to fetus during pregnancy.
The dose and duration of pathogen exposure, as well as the state of non-specific and specific defense mechanisms of the body, are of primary importance for the development of the disease. Under normal conditions, mucociliary clearance and alveolar macrophages, together with secreted IgA, mucin, and other factors, provide effective protection for the respiratory tract, ensuring the elimination of the infectious agent.
Inflammation of the respiratory tract and exposure to toxic factors increase the likelihood of mycobacteria penetrating the bronchioles and alveoli. After entering the body, mycobacteria are engulfed by alveolar macrophages and transported to the regional lymph nodes, leading to the development of inflammation.
The main methods for laboratory diagnosis of tuberculosis are microscopic (light and luminescence microscopy) and bacteriological. Additional methods include biological and serological tests, skin allergy tests, and PCR.
PCR has high sensitivity and specificity and allows obtaining results in a short time (1–2 days), unlike the culture method (10–90 days). Positive test results do not determine the status of bacterial excretion and should be supplemented by other diagnostic methods.
Indications
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Suspected tuberculosis -
Contact with sick person -
Chronic cough of unknown origin -
Fever of unknown origin -
Differential diagnostics of pneumonias -
Preparation for immunosuppressive therapy -
Assessment of therapy efficacy
Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Mycobacterium bovis
The Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Mycobacterium bovis test is designed for detection of human and bovine tuberculosis mycobacteria (Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Mycobacterium bovis) DNA without differentiation in human biological material by real-time PCR.
Biomaterial: phlegm, bronchoalveolar lavage, tuberculoma contents.
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