Rapid Screening for MDR-TB

A molecular probe was ≥99% sensitive and specific for multidrug TB resistance, compared with standard drug-susceptibility testing; results were available in 1 to 2 days.

The rising prevalence of multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) and HIV infection is threatening to derail global TB control. A major problem in controlling MDR-TB is the lengthy turnaround time (weeks or months) for conventional culture and drug-susceptibility testing (DST). Rapid molecular methods are now available that can yield results in a day. As a prelude to a large demonstration project, a validation study of one such test, the MTBDRplus, was performed at a single site in Cape Town, South Africa. This assay uses DNA strip technology to detect mutations in three TB genes: rpoB (mutations associated with rifampin resistance), and katG and inhA (mutations associated with isoniazid resistance).

In the first portion of the study, 536 acid-fast b…

Reviewing Author

Neil M. Ampel, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesCoccidioidomycosis Study Group (Past President, Secretary, Treasurer)

Neil M. Ampel, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesCoccidioidomycosis Study Group (Past President, Secretary, Treasurer)

Rapid Screening for MDR-TB

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Reviewing Author