The new Vitassay qPCR MTBC/NTM assay is intended for use in the diagnosis of the M. tuberculosis complex (MTBC), the genus mycobacterium, and the specie M. tuberculosis infections alongside clinical data of the patient and other laboratory tests outcomes.
Tuberculosis mostly affects adults in their most productive years. However, all age groups are at risk. According to the WHO report, almost one third of the worldwide population has been infected by M. tuberculosis. However, only 10% of infected individuals develop an active disease state with the appearance of clinical symptoms, suggesting that the immune system can control the infection and prevent active disease in most of the population. People with active TB can infect 5–15 other people through close contact over the course of a year. About one-quarter of the world’s population has latent TB.
Symptoms of TB disease depend on where in the body the TB bacteria are growing. Common symptoms of TB disease include weakness or fatigue, chills, lack of appetite, weight loss, fever and night sweats. TB disease in the lungs may cause symptoms such as chest pain, prolonged cough and coughing up blood or sputum. Symptoms of TB disease in other parts of the body depend on the area affected.
Early, rapid and accurate identification of M. tuberculosis and the determination of drug susceptibility is essential for the treatment and management of this disease.
More information about the qPCR test for tuberculosis, clicking here.