Use of WGS in M. tuberculosis routine diagnosis

Publication date: Available online 24 November 2016 Source:International Journal of Mycobacteriology Author(s): Daniela M. Cirillo, A.M. Cabibbe, M.R. De Filippo, A. Trovato, T. Simonetti, G.M. Rossolini, E. Tortoli Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) is becoming affordable with overall costs comparable to other tests currently in use to perform the diagnosis of drug resistant tuberculosis and cluster analysis. The WGS approach allows an “all-in one” approach providing results on expected sensitivity of the strains, genetic background, epidemiological data and indication of risk of laboratory cross-contamination. Although ideal, WGS from the direct diagnostic specimen is not yet standardized and up today the two most promising approaches are WGS from early positive liquid culture and targeted sequencing from diagnostic specimens using Next Generation Technology. Both have advantages and disadvantages. Sequencing from early MGIT requires positive cultures while targeted sequencing can be performed from a specimen positive for M. tuberculosis with a consistent gain in time to information. Aim of this study is to evaluate the feasibility and cost to use WGS with a centralized approach to speed up diagnosis of tuberculosis in a low incidence country. From March to September 2016 we collected and processed by WGS 89 early positive routine MGIT960 tubes. Time to diagnosis and accuracy of this technique were compared with the standard testing performed in the routine laborato...
Source: International Journal of Mycobacteriology - Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research