Dear Karthikeyan, is possible, there are currently Automated Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction as Xpert MTB/Rif. But the only problem is that the efflux activity contributes in some case with the resistance without need of mutations in any of the genes associated in the antibacterial target, for that reason in these methodologies clinical isolates can be classified as susceptible but are phenotypically resistant
Dr Bueno indicated the role of efflux pump in phenotypically resistant MTB isolates. This is the reason why XpertMTB/ Rif ( qPCR) is being used only in those patients under National TB program (RNTCP) in India, who are clinically and microbiologically (smear positive) non responsive to first line of TB treatment.
I did qPCR measurement control and treatment both groups showed same CT value and may it need more serial dilution of DNA sample (my final DNA only 50ng/ul, I diluted 100 fold). I feel plate counts give better results then the qPCR, because qPCR more expensive, more work and more inaccuracy for antimicrobial agents testing. anybody has any thought on this... pls let me know...