Validation of a multiplex Real-Time PCR to Detect Mycobacterium spp., Mycobacterium tuberculosis Complex and Mycobacterium avium Complex Directly from Clinical Samples Using the BD MAX™ Open System.

A multiplex real-time PCR was validated on the BD Max open system to detect different Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex, Mycobacterium avium complex, and Mycobacterium spp. directly from clinical samples. The PCR results were compared to those with traditional cultures. The multiplex PCR assay was found to be a specific and sensitive method for the rapid detection of mycobacteria directly from clinical specimens.