The use of molecular line probe assays for the detection of resistance to second-line anti-tuberculosis drugs

Genotypic (molecular) methods have considerable advantages for scaling up programmatic management and surveillance of drug-resistant tuberculosis (TB), offering speed of diagnosis, standardised testing, potential for high through-put, and fewer requirements for laboratory biosafety. Molecular tests for detecting drug resistance such as the Genotype® MTBDRsl assay, Hain Lifescience, Nehren, Germany have shown promise for the diagnosis of drug-resistant TB. These tests are rapid (can be performed in a single working day) and detect the presence of mutations associated with drug resistance. MTBDRsl belongs to a category of molecular genetic tests called second-line line probe assays (SL-LPA).