[Influence of specimen processing method on Mycobacterium tuberculosis detection by PCR-reversed dot hybridization].

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate specimen processing with sodium dodecyl (lauryl) sulfate (SDS) on the detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis by PCR-reversed dot hybridization.

METHODS

Totally 266 specimens were collected from sputum, pleural fluid, ascites, urine or blood of patients with active tuberculosis and were treated with SDS or routine method. All specimens handled were tested for detecting M. tuberculosis by PCR-reversed dot hybridization.

RESULTS

The detection rate of M. tuberculosis from specimens prepared by SDS method was 65.0% (173/266) as compared with 51.5% (136/168) by routine method. Results from two methods were considered statistically significant (chi(2) = 35.03, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The SDS processing method may be used to detect M. tuberculosis from clinical specimens by PCR and enhances the detection rate of M. tuberculosis.