Urine Tests Detect TB in HIV-Infected Patients

Using the Xpert MTB/RIF rapid molecular assay on urine samples increased TB diagnostic yield in HIV-infected patients with advanced immunodeficiency.

Increasing the speed and accuracy of tuberculosis (TB) diagnosis in HIV-infected patients is critical. Urine samples may be useful in this regard, because they are simple to obtain (even from very ill patients), do not generate hazardous infectious aerosols, and are relatively clean and easy to handle in laboratories. In the present study, researchers evaluated the diagnostic sensitivity of the Xpert MTB/RIF assay in urine samples obtained from HIV-infected patients.

The study involved 602 patients in South Africa who were undergoing TB screening in preparation for HIV treatment initiation. Sputum samples were tested for TB using fluorescent smear microscopy, the Xpert assay, and liquid culture. Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) was identifie…

Reviewing Author

Kogie Naidoo, MD

Urine Tests Detect TB in HIV-Infected Patients

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Reviewing Author