Distribution of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Complex and Non-Tuberculous Mycobacteria among Tuberculosis Patients in Selected Hospitals in Benue and Nasarawa States, Nigeria Using the SD-Bioline Assay
Fadayomi, V.K.
*
Department of Microbiology, Federal University of Lafia, Nigeria.
Umeh E.U.
Department of Microbiology, Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Nigeria.
Japhet, E.A.
Department of Microbiology, Bayero University, Kano, Nigeria.
Innocent, I.G.
Department of Microbiology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria.
Ohiobo, A.E.
Department of Microbiology, Federal University of Lafia, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Tuberculosis (TB), caused primarily by the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC), continues to be a significant global health concern, particularly in Nigeria, which ranks among the top eight countries responsible for two-thirds of TB cases worldwide. This situation underscores the need for rapid and accurate diagnostic methods. A total of 400 samples were collected and analyzed, confirming the presence of acid-fast bacilli. The culture results indicated that 55% of the samples tested positive, demonstrating active mycobacterial growth, while 45% were negative. Species identification and differentiation between MTBC and non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) were conducted using the SD-Bioline immunochromatographic assay, yielding results of 38.3% for MTBC and 17.8% for NTM. Demographic analysis revealed that females represented the highest number of positive cases (81/198, or 40.9%), compared to a positivity rate of 35.6% in males. Additionally, married individuals formed the largest demographic group (15.6%) with the highest positivity rates for MTBC (84/218, or 39.9%). However, the relationship between marital status and SD-Bioline detection of MTBC was not statistically significant. The findings highlight the continued burden of tuberculosis in the study area and emphasize the importance of rapid diagnostic tools such as the SD-Bioline assay for accurate identification of MTBC and differentiation from NTM to support effective TB management and control strategies.
Keywords: Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex, non-tuberculous mycobacteria, SD-Bioline assay, TB diagnosis