In a new technical study, GenPath Africa colleagues Christoffel J. Opperman, Sarishna Singh, and Yonas Ghebrekristos from the National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS), along with Brendon C. Mann, Robin Warren, and Wynand Goosen from Stellenbosch University, evaluated the best ways to prepare bacterial samples for advanced testing. Their research focuses on streamlining the identification of nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM), a group of environmental organisms that are a leading cause of lung disease in Africa.

What is this publication about?

This study compared six different laboratory methods for extracting genetic material (DNA) from Mycobacterium avium, the most common cause of NTM infections in humans. The researchers evaluated each method based on its total cost, the time required to complete the process, the complexity of the workflow, and the quality of the DNA recovered. The goal was to identify which techniques are most suitable for the routine tests currently used in South African hospitals, as well as for advanced next-generation sequencing.

Why is this important?

Mycobacteria have robust cell walls that act as protective armour, making it difficult to extract high-quality DNA without destroying the cells. Finding a method that is fast, cheap, and gentle is essential for public health laboratories that need to provide accurate diagnoses for large numbers of patients.

How can this make a difference?

The study identifies efficient choices for routine work that are both inexpensive and rapid. By validating accessible techniques, the study helps laboratories bridge the gap between current diagnostic practices and the future of genomic medicine, ensuring that even resource-limited settings can benefit from precision health tools.

Christoffel J. Opperman, Salim Ben Amor, Greshan Kisten, Brendon C. Mann, Janré Steyn, Sarishna Singh, Yonas Ghebrekristos, Robin Warren, and Wynand Goosen, "Mycobacterium avium DNA extraction: Implications for NTM identification and amplicon sequencing." South African Journal of Infectious Diseases, 2025; 40(1): a717. doi:10.4102/sajid.v40i1.717.