value of polymerase chain reatriction enzyme analysis [PRA] compared with that of conventional and biochemical tests for identifieation and classification ofmycobacteria into the species

ABSTRACT

Because of the long time required to identify and classify Mycobacteria into the species by conventional and biochemical tests, the need for simple rapid methods is urgent. Thirty-six respiratory and non respiratory specimens that gave positive smears for [AFB] were classified into the species by comparing the polymerase chain reaction and restriction enzyme analysis [PRA] with the conventional and biochemical tests. PRA is a rapid method based of evaluation of the gene encoding for the 65-KD[a] protein, where the products of PCR obtained with primers common to all Mycobacteria were analysed by using two restriction enzymes, BstEII and HaeIII, the laboratory isolates were identified and classified into the species. PRA was done directly from the positive specimens and from the cultured media. It proved to be a simple rapid method which does not involve hybridization steps or radioactive materials