[Molecular biology methods in detection of mycobacteria. Improved and newly developed test systems for the diagnosis of mycobacteria].

In the coming years, the accurate and rapid microbiological detection of mycobacteria will gain in importance, since infections with Mycobacterium tuberculosis and ubiquitous mycobacteria are expected to increase, in particular in immunocompromised persons. In addition to the classical biochemical methods of detection involving the use of the microscope and cultures, molecular biological techniques are already being used today. The present overview therefore discusses the principles of the major methods. These include the use of the major DNA probes, DNA amplification techniques (PCR) with subsequent DNA sequencing for species determination, and RFLP analysis, which is employed to deal with epidemiological problems. Also described is the Bactec method for culturing in a liquid medium which forms the basis of various modern examination techniques.