TB Rapid Test Performs Well in Children

Overall, the Xpert MTB/RIF assay demonstrated high sensitivity and specificity; in smear-negative cases, a second induced specimen increased sensitivity from 33% to 61%.

The Xpert MTB/RIF, a new molecular test to identify Mycobacterium tuberculosis and rifampin resistance, performs with high sensitivity and specificity in adult populations (JW Infect Dis Apr 27 2011). Might it also work well for children, in whom diagnosis is complicated by low numbers of mycobacteria and difficulty in obtaining good specimens?

To find out, researchers conducted a prospective study involving children aged ≤15 years who were hospitalized in South Africa with suspected pulmonary tuberculosis (TB; N=452; 24% with HIV infection). After a 2- to 3-hour fast, sputum induction was done by a trained research nurse. Whenever possible, a second induced specimen was obtained later the same day or the following day. All specimens were cu…

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

TB Rapid Test Performs Well in Children

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Reviewing Author