Objective: To develop a molecular beacon real-time PCR for rapid detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
Method: One set of primers was selected from the IS6110 gene in GenBank and the corresponding molecular beacon probe was designed. The specificity and sensitivity of the developed method were evaluated by tested with 10 different bacteria species. The developed assay were also applied to the diagnosis of tuberculosis.
Results: Only Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains possessing IS6110 gene generated fluorescent signals, and no cross reaction was observed with other 9 bacteria. The detection limit was 4 copies/PCR reaction. 100 Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains were positive tested by Real-time PCR.
Conclusion: The established molecular beacon real-time PCR is a rapid, specific and sensitive method, and is a beneficial supplement of traditional methods for the tuberculosis diagnosis.