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Xpert MTB/RIF assay for diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis in children: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Date:
March 24, 2015
Source:
The Lancet
Summary:
Microbiological confirmation of childhood tuberculosis is rare because of the difficulty of collection of specimens, low sensitivity of smear microscopy, and poor access to culture. A new study aimed to establish summary estimates for sensitivity and specificity of the Xpert MTB/RIF assay compared with microscopy in the diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis in children.
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Microbiological confirmation of childhood tuberculosis is rare because of the difficulty of collection of specimens, low sensitivity of smear microscopy, and poor access to culture.

This study, led by Dr Anne Detjen, from the International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease, aimed to establish summary estimates for sensitivity and specificity of the Xpert MTB/RIF assay compared with microscopy in the diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis in children.

The researchers found that compared with microscopy, Xpert offers better sensitivity for the diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis in children and its scale-up will improve access to tuberculosis diagnostics for children. Although Xpert helps to provide rapid confirmation of disease, its sensitivity remains suboptimum compared with culture tests. A negative Xpert result does not rule out tuberculosis. Good clinical acumen is still needed to decide when to start antituberculosis therapy and continued research for better diagnostics is crucial.


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Materials provided by The Lancet. Note: Content may be edited for style and length.


Journal Reference:

  1. Anna M Mandalakas, MD et al. Xpert MTB/RIF assay for the diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis in children: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Lancet Respiratory Medicine, March 2015 DOI: 10.1016/S2213-2600(15)00095-8

Cite This Page:

The Lancet. "Xpert MTB/RIF assay for diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis in children: A systematic review and meta-analysis." ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 24 March 2015. <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/03/150324085124.htm>.
The Lancet. (2015, March 24). Xpert MTB/RIF assay for diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis in children: A systematic review and meta-analysis. ScienceDaily. Retrieved March 19, 2024 from www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/03/150324085124.htm
The Lancet. "Xpert MTB/RIF assay for diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis in children: A systematic review and meta-analysis." ScienceDaily. www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/03/150324085124.htm (accessed March 19, 2024).

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