Targeted next-generation sequencing: a Swiss army knife for mycobacterial diagnostics?

The genus Mycobacterium encompasses almost 200 species that fall into four main groups [1]. Specifically, the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC), the causative agent of tuberculosis (TB) and leading cause of death by a single infectious agent, is distinguished from mycobacteria causing Buruli ulcer and leprosy [2, 3]. The remaining species are referred to as nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM), which mainly cause lung disease and have become more frequent in many parts of the world, particularly amongst older patients [4].

Source: European Respiratory Journal - March 18, 2021 Category: Respiratory Medicine Authors: Mohamed, S., Köser, C. U., Salfinger, M., Sougakoff, W., Heysell, S. K. Tags: Editorials Source Type: research