Nucleic acid probes, sequences and methods for detecting mycobacterium tuberculosis resistant to isoniazid

摘要

Multi-drug resistant strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis represent a considerable threat to public health worldwide. Resistance to isoniazid (INH), a key component of anti-tuberculosis regimens, is often associated with loss of catalase activity and virulence. The katG gene, encoding HPI catalase-peroxidase, mediates INH-sensitivity and that the high level resistance encountered clinically may be due to deletions, insertions or point mutations which reduce or eliminate the expression of the catalase gene in the chromosomal region encompassing katG. INH-resistant strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis are detected by nucleic acid hybridization with a unique nucleic acid sequence or by amplification techniques.