The Mycobacterium Reference Laboratory (MRL) at VIDRL provides
a statewide facility for referral of all mycobacterial isolates,
including those from veterinary and environmental origins. Isolates
are identified using a combination of biochemical and molecular
techniques, including PCR based assays and DNA sequence analysis.
Antibiotic susceptibility testing is performed when indicated
for isolates identified as Mycobacterium tuberculosis,
and certain atypical mycobacterial isolates, where appropriate.
MRL Molecular
The role of the MRL Molecular laboratory is to develop and apply
rapid, molecular techniques to the identification of mycobacterial
isolates, detection and identification of mycobacteria in clinical
specimens and the typing of M. tuberculosis isolates for
epidemiological purposes.
Additional roles of the MRL include:
- Participation in Quality Assurance programs
- Maintenance of an extensive reference collection of mycobacterial
strains, both characterised and wild isolates
- Provision of a nationwide facility for the RFLP typing of
Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates
- Electronic storage of information for surveillance and epidemiological
studies
- Education, training and consultation
- Collaboration in research projects relating to mycobacteria
The Mycobacterium ulcerans Collaborative Centre
This Centre was formally established in October 2001 to centralise
and oversee all diagnostic and research activities in Victoria
associated with M. ulcerans. Members of the Centre include
all those associated with M. ulcerans diagnosis and/or
research.
