ArticleBMC infectious diseases2026
Utilizing RT-PCR for infectious disease diagnosis with emphasis on non-tuberculous mycobacteria in Bangladesh, 2019-2024.
Article in BMC infectious diseases, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
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Abstract
backgroundAdvanced diagnostics like reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) improve accuracy, limit infectious disease transmission and decrease mortality. This study evaluated the utility of RT-PCR for detecting infectious agents, including Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM), to guide clinical decision-making.
methodsThis retrospective study analyzed infectious disease data from Apollo Imperial Hospitals Ltd., Chattogram, Bangladesh from June 2019 to July 2024. Of 810 anonymized records extracted from the molecular biology laboratory, 786 samples with complete diagnostic information undergoing RT-PCR testing were included. Associations between positivity and socio-demographic/clinical factors (e.g., gender, sample type, pathogen tested) were analyzed using chi-square tests and binary logistic regression.
resultsAmong 786 patients, the mean age and SD was 38.8 ± 19.3 years with 87.1% adults or elderly (> 60 years old), and 53.7% were female. Samples comprised blood (31.6%), tissue (27.2%), body fluids (19.3%), swabs (8.1%), sputum (6.1%), pus (4.8%), and urine (2.8%). Overall, 100 (12.7%) specimens were positive by RT-PCR. Mycobacteria were detected in 6.4%, including Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB; 2.9%) and nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM; 3.5%). The gender and clinical samples had significant difference with unadjusted OR, while pathogens were significantly associated with tests results (adjusted OR: 0.16, 95% CI: 0.03-0.87; P < 0.05) respectively. Male patients and specimens tested for respiratory pathogen panel (RPP) had higher odds of positivity, while body fluid, tissue, HPV/HSV, and Mycobacterial samples had lower odds of positivity.
conclusionsRT-PCR is a reliable diagnostic tool with higher sensitivity (up to 95%) and specificity (up to 100%) for infectious diseases, with potential for greater optimization in Bangladesh, especially for NTM detection. Improved specimen selection and clinical practices can enhance positivity rates and reduce costs. The NTP should prioritize better NTM detection to prevent misdiagnosis and improper treatment. WHO global report on tuberculosis should highlight NTM to guide policy and management strategies. CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER: Not applicable.
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