Rapid Molecular Drug-resistance Testing

Genotypic tests rely on amplification of a targeted genetic region of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb) complex, typically by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR).

• Molecular tests can detect TB and resistance to key anti-TB drugs, such as Rifampicin (R) and Isoniazid (H), Fluoroquinolones (FQ) and second-line injectable drugs (SLID) more quickly than conventional culture and drug susceptibility tests (C&DST).
• Though preferred for diagnosis, molecular methods, however, cannot be used for determining response to treatment.

The following figure shows the rapid molecular (genotypic) drug resistance tests used under the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP).

Figure 1: Rapid molecular (genotypic) drug resistance tests

Resources

• Guidelines for Programmatic Management of Drug Resistant TB in India 2021

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