ABSTRACT
Background
– Timely and accurate diagnosis of tubercular uveitis (TBU) is imperative, hence multitargeted loop-mediated isothermal amplification (MLAMP) using three gene targets (IS1081, IS6110 and MPB64) was evaluated for it.
Methods
– About 120 vitreous fluid samples [70 clinically suspected TBU (3 culture-positive, 67 culture-negative) and 50 controls] were subjected to MLAMP to evaluate its performance in diagnosing TBU.
Results
– Overall, the sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV of MLAMP in the diagnosis of TBU was 77.14%, 100%, 100% and 75.75%, respectively, with an additional detection of 9 (12.85%) cases (5 by IS1081LAMP and 2 each by MPB64LAMP and IS6110LAMP). Maximum TBU cases were detected by IS1081LAMP (50/70) followed by MPB64LAMP (47/70) and IS6110LAMP (45/70).
Conclusion
– MLAMP, with the incorporation of IS1081, served as a sensitive, rapid, simple and cost-effective technique for TBU diagnosis.
Declarations
List of abbreviations: tubercular uveitis (TBU), Nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs), multitargeted loop-mediated isothermal amplification MLAMP, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), extrapulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB), vitreous fluid (VF), Lowenstein-Jensen medium (LJ), M. tuberculosis complex (MTBC), multiplex polymerase chain reaction (MPCR), deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), antitubercular therapy (ATT).
Authors’ contribution
Study design – RS, KS; Collection of data – RS, VG; Data analysis – MS, KS, RS; Drafting of manuscript – MS; Critical appraisal of manuscript – KS, RS, AS, VG; Study supervision – KS, RS, VG.