[Detection and identification of Mycobacteria with polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) from patients with Mycobacterial skin infections].
To establish a rapid approach to the detection and identification of Mycobacteria from lesions of patients with suspected Mycobacterial infections. Specimens were obtained from five patients suspected to have Mycobacterial infections. DNA extracted from clinical samples was amplified by nested PCR. The PCR products were digested with HhaI, MboI, and BstUI restriction enzymes and applied to PAGE. The species of Mycobacteria were determined by restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis. Identification of Mycobacteria culture was also performed in 3 patients. M. marinum was found in two patients diagnosed as swimming pool granuloma. M. tuberculosis was found in one patient diagnosed as infectious skin granuloma. All these 3 Mycobacteria were confirmed by Mycobacteria culture. A strain of M. tuberculosis and a strain of M. fortuitum were detected in remain two patients. The results above indicate that PCR-RFLP analysis is rapid and reliable in detection and identification of different Mycobacteria species from skin tissues. Application of this method will be helpful for early diagnosis and treatment of Mycobacteria skin infections.