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Chinese Journal of Antituberculosis ›› 2025, Vol. 47 ›› Issue (8): 961-975.doi: 10.19982/j.issn.1000-6621.20250225

• Guideline·Standard·Consensus • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Expert consensus on molecular biology diagnosis of nontuberculous mycobacteria diseases

Nontuberculous Mycobacterial Diseases Branch of Chinese Antituberculosis Association   

  • Received:2025-05-27 Online:2025-08-10 Published:2025-08-01
  • Contact: Sun Qin, Email: sunqinbonjour@163.com
  • Supported by:
    Shanghai Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases (Tuberculosis)(19MC1910800);Excellent Discipline Leader Program of Shanghai Three-Year Action Plan for Strengthening Public Health System Construction (2023—2025)(GWVI-11.2-XD02);2023 Annual Discipline Construction Funding-Key Discipline-Tuberculosis Department

Abstract:

The incidence of nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) disease has been on the rise. Traditional methods such as acid-fast bacilli staining and mycobacterial culture suffer from limitations including low sensitivity, being time-consuming, and inability to identify specific species. In contrast, molecular biology detection technologies have demonstrated unique advantages and great application prospects in the diagnosis of NTM diseases and precise species identification. However, there is lack of systematic and comprehensive guideline for the molecular diagnosis of NTM disease in China. In order to standardize the clinical application of molecular diagnostic techniques for NTM diseases and enhance the diagnosis and treatment capabilities of medical professionals, the Nontuberculous Mycobacterial Diseases Branch of Chinese Antituberculosis Association organized a writing group composed of domestic experts in the fields of NTM diseases, infectious diseases, microbiology, and methodology. Through systematic literature reviews, multiple rounds of online and offline discussions, and questionnaire surveys, the group evaluated the respective merits, limitations, and implementation status of current molecular detection technologies, discussed key issues in molecular diagnosis of NTM diseases, and ultimately formulated this consensus after iterative revisions through multiple consensus conferences. Focusing on core issues such as molecular targets for NTM disease diagnosis, molecular biological diagnostic techniques, and standardized interpretation protocols, the consensus formulated 11 evidence-based recommendations. It systematically establishes a technical framework and clinical application pathway for molecular biological diagnosis of NTM diseases, addressing core challenges like technical fragmentation and inconsistent interpretation standards. It provides actionable guidance for clinicians, clinical laboratories, and public health departments.

Key words: Mycobacterium infections, Molecular biology, Diagnosis, differential, Consensus development conference

CLC Number: