Misidentification of Mycobacterium smegmatis as Mycobacterium fortuitum by DNA line probe assay

J Clin Tuberc Other Mycobact Dis. 2021 Aug 26:25:100268. doi: 10.1016/j.jctube.2021.100268. eCollection 2021 Dec.

Abstract

Optimal management of infection with mycobacterial species requires accurate identification down to complex/species level due to variations in outcomes. Over the last few decades, there have been significant advances in laboratory diagnostics with development of newer and rapid molecular methods. Here we describe a case of Mycobacterium smegmatis that was misidentified as Mycobacterium fortuitum by DNA line probe assay.

Keywords: Line probe assay; Molecular diagnostics; Mycobacterium fortuitum; Mycobacterium smegmatis; Non-tuberculous mycobacterial infection.