Accuracy of the Xpert MTB/RIF assay compared to the ''gold standard'' AFB culture in the diagnosis of tuberculosis in children in India

摘要

Background: The Xpert MTB/RIF PCR assay detects M.tuberculosis and resistance to Rifampicin within 2-4 hours, compared to the AFB culture that takes 4-8 weeks to provide the same information. This study assessed the performance of the Xpert MTB/RIF assay against the AFB culture and clinical case definitions of intrathoracic and extrathoracic tuberculosis(TB), and against type of specimen tested.