Use of GenoType® MTBDRsl assay in the diagnosis of drug resistant tuberculosis in Samara oblast

GenoType® MTBDRsl assay (Hain Lifescience, GmbH, Nehren, Germany) was used for detection of mutations associated with resistance to fluoroquinolones on M. tuberculosis cultures isolated from MDR-TB patients in Samara Oblast. Results were evaluated against those obtained using standard drug susceptibility testing on liquid media. Test sensitivity and specificity were high (82.6% and 100.0% respectively) demonstrating test feasibility in high TB-burden areas with high rates of drug resistance.