Evaluation of PCR Using DNA Extract From Slides and Filter Paper for the Detection of Tuberculosis and MDR-tuberculosis

Specimen transport from peripheral health structures to the National TB reference laboratory for MDR-TB identification presents a big challenge in term of sample management, safety, contamination and delays. Thus a system that allows specimen to be collected and shipped in a safely manner while reducing the possibilities of contamination, the cost of shipment and especially the time for detection of MDR-TB by using molecular methods would be very useful. Whereas the some studies show promising results for the development and standardization of simple specimen collection and transportation methods for molecular DST, more data is needed before these can be used in routine. The study described here aims at identifying a suitable method, in terms of adapted sample support (s) (slide, filter paper (FTA, Genocard ...)) and DNA extraction method. If one or several methods are found to give satisfying results, then a larger patient based evaluation of this (these) method(s) for molecular DST will be performed in a second phase. The protocol for the second phase will be prepared separately.