Detection Of Mycobacterial Infection Using Filtrate Antigen

Abstract

Among infectious diseases, TB remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Identification of tuberculosis infected individuals is essential in order to control the disease. Therefore there is a need for newer methods for rapid, sensitive and accurate diagnosis. In the present study, we have made use of antigens for the organism extracted from Mycobacterium tuberculosis H₃₇Ra (ATCC 25177). ELISA technique performed gave sensitivity and specificity of 90% of TB in M. tuberculosis infected patients confirmed by culture. We conclude that the performance of extracted antigens is valuable in the diagnosis of TB.