Detection of NTM Species and Drug Susceptibility Testing by LPA Technique Using Genotype NTM-DR Kit
1Senior Specialist, STDC/IRL, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare office, Government of Karnataka, India 2EQA Microbiologist, Culture & DST Lab KMCRI, Hubli, India
*Corresponding author
Abstract:
Non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are now widely recognised as significant pathogens, especially in areas where tuberculosis (TB) is endemic and smear-positive, CBNAAT-negative cases are frequently misinterpreted as TB. Effective management requires quick species identification and drug susceptibility testing. This study aims to find the NTM Species-level identification and drug susceptibility testing by LPA Technique using GenoType NTM-DR kit. At the Culture and Drug Susceptibility Testing Laboratory, KMCRI, Hubballi, a prospective study was carried out (June to December 2024). The MGIT 960 method was used to cultivate the clinical samples that were smear positive but CBNAAT negative. The GenoType NTM-DR assay was used to determine species and detect aminoglycoside and macrolide resistance. The majority of the 35 NTM isolates were from respiratory samples (74.2% sputum). The most prevalent species (45.7%) was Mycobacterium abscessus subsp. abscessus, which was followed by Mycobacterium intracellulare (5.7%), M. chimaera (2.8%), and M. abscessus subsp. bolletii (2.8%); the remaining 40% belonged to different NTM species. All the isolates were sensitive to aminoglycosides but around 70% isolates were resistance to Macrolide. Treatment outcomes illustrated that most patients had favourable outcomes, with a significant percentage of cases showing cure or treatment completion. This study found a high prevalence of the M. abscessus complex and considerable macrolide resistance among NTM isolates in northern Karnataka. CBNAAT-negative, smear-positive cases should be routinely evaluated for NTM testing. Effective molecular tests, such as LPA (GenoType NTM-DR Kits), must be included into regular diagnostic procedures to ensure early detection, appropriate treatment, and better clinical outcomes.
Keywords: Non-tuberculous mycobacteria; GenoType NTM-DR; Line probe assay; Macrolide resistance.
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How to cite this article:
Nirmala A. and Nivedita R. Dhapalapur. 2026. Detection of NTM Species & Drug Susceptibility Testing by LPA Technique Using Genotype NTM-DR Kit.
Int.J.Curr.Microbiol.App.Sci. 15(2): 206-216. doi:
https://doi.org/10.20546/ijcmas.2026.1502.021
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National Academy of Agricultural Sciences (NAAS) 
