Biomedical subjects
Publications and source records attributed to Thomas Victor.
Concern has been raised about the efficacy of the heat killing of mycobacteria during the isolation of DNA. We demonstrate a method that allows for the efficient killing of Mycobacterium tuberculosis without compromising DNA integrity for subsequent molecular investigation. This method reduces the risk of infection to the research scientist.
Guidelines for the diagnosis and management of Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) disease in children are lacking, and there are limited data on drug resistance of Mycobacterium bovis BCG. A 6-month-old HIV-infected infant presented with right axillary adenitis ipsilateral to the site of BCG immunization. M. tuberculosis complex was cultured from axillary lymph nodes and gastric aspirates, and M. bovis BCG was isolated. Susceptibility testing before initiation of therapy demonstrated inherent resistance to isoniazid. The organism acquired rifampin resistance during therapy. This was confirmed by the presence of a mutation in codon 531 (Ser531Tyr) of the rpoB gene. Treatment guidelines for BCG disease with consideration of inherent and possible acquired drug resistance should be established in settings with high rates of vertical HIV transmission and routine BCG vaccination.