Application of a Simple Multiplex PCR To Aid in Routine Work of the Mycobacterium Reference Laboratory

Abstract
A PCR specific for spacer regions 33 and 34 of the direct repeat region of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex was developed to complement the biochemical differentiation of M . tuberculosis , Mycobacterium bovis , M . bovis BCG, and Mycobacterium africanum subtypes I and II. In addition, this approach was incorporated into a multiplex PCR that included primers specific for IS 6110 and the 65-kDa antigen gene in order to differentiate members of the M . tuberculosis complex from atypical mycobacteria.