Rapid Diagnostic Test for TB Effective in Low-Resource Settings

The Xpert MTB/RIF test had high sensitivity and specificity for detecting TB and multidrug-resistant TB and also shortened time to diagnosis.

Sputum smears for the diagnosis of tuberculosis (TB) lack sensitivity, and culture and drug-susceptibility testing are unavailable in resource-poor settings. One possible alternative for TB diagnosis is the Xpert MTB/RIF test (Cepheid; Sunnyvale, California), which allows for simultaneous, rapid detection of both Mycobacterium tuberculosis and rifampin resistance. This new test has performed well in reference laboratories but, until now, had not been evaluated in healthcare facilities in low-resource settings.

Investigators (some with industry support) enrolled 6648 adults with suspected TB or multidrug-resistant (MDR)-TB at nine sites in South Africa, Peru, India, Azerbaijan, the Philippines, and Uganda. At least two sputum samples were col…

Reviewing Author

Mary E. Wilson, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardOneHealthTrust (formerly Center for Disease Dynamics, Economics, and Policy); Global Health Institute, University of Wisconsin

RoyaltiesUpToDate

Editorial BoardsJournal of Travel Medicine

Mary E. Wilson, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardOneHealthTrust (formerly Center for Disease Dynamics, Economics, and Policy); Global Health Institute, University of Wisconsin

RoyaltiesUpToDate

Editorial BoardsJournal of Travel Medicine

Rapid Diagnostic Test for TB Effective in Low-Resource Settings

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Reviewing Author