Hi‐PCR® MTB/NTM Probe PCR Kit

In addition to MTB, Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM), also known as atypical or environmental mycobacteria, can also cause TB‐like symptoms. Both NTM and MTB belong to the Mycobacteria genus and can present similarly, especially in pulmonary infections. NTMs are a diverse group of mycobacteria distinct from the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC), with over 170 species identified as potential pathogens. The most clinically relevant NTMs in pulmonary disease include M. avium complex (MAC), M. kansasii, and M. abscessus. While pulmonary infections are common, NTMs can also affect lymphatic tissue, skin, and soft tissues. Accurate detection and differentiation between NTM and MTB are crucial to avoid misdiagnosis, which can lead to inappropriate treatments and prolonged illness. Traditional TB diagnostic methods, such as smear microscopy and culture, are not only time‐consuming but also lack the sensitivity and specificity needed to distinguish between MTB and NTM. This can result in diagnostic delays and incorrect treatment regimens. To address these limitations, probe‐based real‐time PCR assays have been developed. The Hi‐PCR® MTB/NTM Probe PCR Kit offers a rapid and reliable solution for detecting and differentiating MTB and NTM in clinical samples, enabling timely and appropriate treatment decisions.

The Hi‐PCR® MTB/NTM Probe PCR Kit is a ready‐to‐use system designed for the detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) and non‐tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) through real‐time PCR. This kit utilizes hydrolysis probes to amplify target DNA. The probes consist of short oligonucleotides with a fluorescent dye at the 5' end and a quencher dye at the 3' end. During amplification, the probe is cleaved, separating the dye from the quencher, which results in an increase in fluorescence. This fluorescence is monitored in real‐time, allowing for accurate detection and identification of MTB and NTM DNA. The Hi‐PCR® MTB/NTM Probe PCR Kit includes two sets of primers and probes: one set targets highly conserved regions specific to the MTB complex (MBP64 and IS6110), while the other amplifies conserved regions common to all mycobacterial species, including both MTB complex (MTBC) and NTM genomes (hsp65), enabling differentiation between the two. The kit is designed to detect MTB complex species in the FAM channel, all mycobacteria species (including NTM) in the ROX channel, and features an internal control detectable in the JOE channel.