Journal of Clinical Tuberculosis and Other Mycobacterial Diseases is an open access publication that provides a forum for clinically relevant articles on all aspects of tuberculosis and other mycobacterial infections.

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Featured Articles

Defining the Role for Mycobacterium Tuberculosis PCR Testing from Stool Samples

Stool PCR testing is emerging as a valuable tool for tuberculosis (TB) diagnosis, especially when sputum samples are difficult to obtain—such as in children or adults with physical limitations. Recent WHO guidance supports stool testing in pediatric cases, and advances like the assay have improved sensitivity. A Mayo Clinic-developed stool PCR test showed promising results in a Filipino adult cohort, detecting TB in cases missed by sputum testing. While U.S. availability is limited due to regulatory barriers, stool PCR may enhance diagnostic yield and guide further testing. Implementation science is needed to optimize its use, particularly in adults and low-resource settings, where it could complement or substitute traditional methods.

Bacterial Co-occurrence with Pulmonary TB, a Respiratory Tract Infection (RTI): A Cross-sectional Study in a Resource-limited Setting

Bacterial co-infections significantly impact tuberculosis (TB) treatment outcomes, especially in resource-limited settings. This study investigated bacterial co-infections in TB patients in rural Vhembe, Limpopo, South Africa. Samples from 100 TB patients were analyzed using PCR assays to detect Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) and drug resistance. Non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) were found in 67% of participants, with Aeromonas spp. (19%), Vibrio spp. (2%), and E. coli (2%) also detected. Multidrug-resistant MTB strains were identified in 2% of the cohort. Significant associations were found between employment status, age, and HIV status. Most Aeromonas spp. and NTM cases were among HIV-positive participants. The study highlights the role of age, socioeconomic status, and gender in TB, HIV, and bacterial infections, emphasizing the need for targeted public health interventions to reduce TB-HIV co-infection and related bacterial infections.