Microscopic view of lung cells with binary code, representing rapid DNA sequencing.

Decoding NTM: How New Tech Can ID Deadly Lung Infections Faster

Lena Voss in Health & Wellness June 2025 • 4 min read.

"A breakthrough in rapid diagnostics offers hope for patients battling nontuberculous mycobacteria. Learn how this new assay is changing the game."

For individuals grappling with pulmonary comorbidities, nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) infections pose a significant and increasing risk. These infections, challenging to diagnose and often misidentified, require precise and timely detection to ensure effective treatment. The current diagnostic landscape, however, is fraught with delays and inaccuracies.

Traditional diagnostic methods often fail to differentiate NTM species adequately from Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), leading to misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment strategies. Definitive culture- and molecular-based tests, while more accurate, can take weeks or even months to yield results, forcing patients to wait anxiously while their condition potentially worsens. Moreover, these specialized tests often require sending samples to specialized laboratories, adding further delays and logistical complexities.

Recognizing the urgent need for faster, more accurate NTM diagnostics, researchers have developed a groundbreaking assay based on binary deoxyribozyme (BiDz) sensors. This innovative approach promises to revolutionize NTM species identification, offering rapid, specific results directly in clinical settings. Let's delve into how this technology works and its potential to transform patient care.

How Does the BiDz-NTMST Assay Work?

Microscopic view of lung cells with binary code, representing rapid DNA sequencing.

The BiDz-NTMST assay leverages the power of PCR amplification to target the 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) rrs genes. Here's a breakdown of the key steps:

Amplification: Universal mycobacterial primers amplify the 16S rRNA rrs genes from a patient sample using PCR.

2. Interrogation: The amplified fragments are then interrogated with a panel of binary deoxyribozyme (BiDz) sensors, designed for species-level identification of NTM.
3. Activation: Each BiDz sensor comprises two subunits of an RNA-cleaving deoxyribozyme. These subunits unite only in the presence of a complementary target sequence, forming an active catalytic core.
4. Cleavage and Signal Generation: Once activated, the BiDz catalyzes the cleavage of a reporter substrate, triggering either a fluorescent or colorimetric signal, depending on the substrate used. This signal indicates the presence of a specific NTM species.

This panel includes BiDz sensors to differentiate six clinically relevant NTM species (Mycobacterium abscessus, Mycobacterium avium, Mycobacterium intracellulare, Mycobacterium fortuitum, Mycobacterium kansasii, and Mycobacterium gordonae) and Mtb.

The Future of NTM Diagnostics

The BiDz-NTMST assay represents a significant leap forward in NTM diagnostics. Its rapid turnaround time, high specificity, and adaptability make it a valuable tool for onsite diagnostic laboratories in hospitals and clinical laboratories. As NTM infections continue to rise, innovations like the BiDz-NTMST assay will play a crucial role in ensuring patients receive the accurate and timely diagnoses they need for effective treatment and improved outcomes.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

Everything You Need To Know

What are NTM infections and why are they a growing concern?

Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) infections are a group of bacteria that can cause lung infections, especially in individuals with existing lung conditions or pulmonary comorbidities. These infections are becoming more prevalent, making accurate and timely diagnosis crucial. The increasing risk underscores the need for improved diagnostic methods to ensure effective treatment and better patient outcomes. If left untreated, NTM infections can severely worsen the condition of those affected. The development of innovative tools such as the BiDz-NTMST assay addresses the urgency for faster and more reliable diagnostic methods, enhancing the ability to detect and treat these infections promptly.

How does the BiDz-NTMST assay improve upon traditional diagnostic methods?

The BiDz-NTMST assay offers significant advantages over traditional methods. Traditional methods often struggle to differentiate NTM species from Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), leading to misdiagnosis and improper treatment. While definitive culture- and molecular-based tests are more accurate, they can take weeks or months to produce results. The BiDz-NTMST assay provides rapid and specific results directly in clinical settings, drastically reducing the time to diagnosis. This is achieved by leveraging PCR amplification to target the 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) rrs genes and using binary deoxyribozyme (BiDz) sensors for species-level identification of NTM.

Can you explain the specific steps involved in the BiDz-NTMST assay?

The BiDz-NTMST assay involves several key steps. First, universal mycobacterial primers amplify the 16S rRNA rrs genes from a patient sample using PCR. These amplified fragments are then interrogated with a panel of binary deoxyribozyme (BiDz) sensors. Each BiDz sensor has two subunits that only unite in the presence of a complementary target sequence. This union forms an active catalytic core that cleaves a reporter substrate, triggering a fluorescent or colorimetric signal based on the substrate used. This signal indicates the presence of a specific NTM species. The panel of sensors is designed to differentiate between six clinically relevant NTM species (Mycobacterium abscessus, Mycobacterium avium, Mycobacterium intracellulare, Mycobacterium fortuitum, Mycobacterium kansasii, and Mycobacterium gordonae) and Mtb.

What are the potential benefits of using the BiDz-NTMST assay in clinical settings?

The BiDz-NTMST assay offers several significant benefits. Its rapid turnaround time and high specificity make it a valuable tool for onsite diagnostic laboratories in hospitals and clinical settings. By providing faster and more accurate results, the assay enables clinicians to make quicker and more informed decisions about patient treatment, potentially preventing the worsening of the patient's condition. This leads to more effective treatment strategies and improved patient outcomes. Furthermore, the assay’s adaptability makes it suitable for use in a variety of laboratories, further enhancing its accessibility and impact.

How does the BiDz technology work in the context of identifying NTM species?

The BiDz-NTMST assay uses binary deoxyribozyme (BiDz) sensors to identify specific NTM species. Each BiDz sensor is designed to recognize a unique sequence within the 16S rRNA rrs genes of different NTM species. When the amplified DNA from a patient sample is introduced to the BiDz sensors, a specific sensor's subunits come together only if the target sequence is present. This results in the activation of an RNA-cleaving deoxyribozyme which cleaves a reporter substrate, generating either a fluorescent or colorimetric signal. The presence of this signal indicates the presence of a particular NTM species, allowing for rapid and specific identification. The panel includes sensors to distinguish between various NTM species and Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), enabling precise diagnosis and targeted treatment strategies.