Detection of rpoB gene mutations in clinical isolates of Rifampicin-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis in Makassar City, South Sulawesi, Indonesia

Aims: This study was aimed to detect mutations in rpoB gene codons 511, 526, 531 and 516 that cause rifampicin resistance and to analyze the sensitivity and specificity of Multiple Allele Specific Polymerase Chain Reaction (MAS-PCR) in detecting rpoB gene mutations. Methodology and results: This study used samples of clinical isolates of Mycobacterium tuberculosis which had been tested for their antibiotic sensitivity to first-line anti-tuberculosis drugs. Extraction of M. tuberculosis bacterial DNA using the boiling method, amplification of the genes encoding rpoB 511, 526, 531 and 516 using the MAS-PCR methods. The results revealed 100% mutations in codons 526, 531 and 516, with sensitivity and specificity values of 90.5% and 100%, respectively. Conclusion, significance and impact of study: With the detection of mutations in the rpoB gene using the MAS-PCR method, it is hoped that this can be a clinical consideration for the selection of new TB drugs in Multi-Drug Resistant Tuberculosis (MDRTB) patients. In addition, MAS-PCR can be used to detect drug resistance quickly and accurately.