Evaluation of GeneXpert MTB/RIF as a diagnostic tool in patients with sputum smear-negative TB in a high HIV burden region in Nigeria.

BACKGROUND

There are challenges in the diagnosis of TB in people with smear-negative pulmonary TB (SNPTB) in resource-limited settings. We evaluated the diagnostic usefulness of Xpert MTB/RIF compared with TB culture among SNPTB.

METHODS

The study was a cross-sectional study among patients with SNPTB. The Xpert MTB/RIF tests and sputum culture (using Lowenstein-Jensen medium) were performed. Sensitivity and specificity were calculated.

RESULTS

Of 150 patients studied, the sensitivity and specificity of GeneXpert MTB/RIF were 81.8 and 97.4%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The sensitivity and specificity of Xpert MTB/RIF assay was comparative with culture in SNPTB patients.