Evaluation of a semi‐automated Seegene PCR workflow with MTB, MDR, and NTM detection for rapid screening of tuberculosis in a low‐prevalence setting

In areas of low tuberculosis (TB) prevalence, laboratory diagnosis of TB may essentially cover non‐tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) in addition to Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB). In this study, a semi‐automated PCR workflow distinguishing MTB and NTM (Anyplex™ MTB/NTMe, Seegene) and subsequently detecting MTB isoniazid/rifampicin resistance (Allplex™ MTB/MDRe, Seegene) was evaluated for replacing smear microscopy of acid‐fast bacilli as the...