Effective testing for pulmonary tuberculosis using Xpert MTB/RIF assay for stool specimens in immunocompetent Pakistani children

Abstract

Use of Xpert MTB/RIF assay for stool-based diagnosis of pulmonary TB in immunocompetent children is useful in a resource poor setting. This is a valuable and noninvasive diagnostic alternative for the diagnosis of childhood TB and can be adapted by pediatric arms of national TB programs.

Stool Xpert MTB/RIF and urine lipoarabinomannan for the diagnosis of tuberculosis in hospitalized HIV-infected children

“…Pediatric studies of stool Xpert from South Africa 16,17 , Zimbabwe 18 , Pakistan 19 , Egypt 20 , as well as a multi-center study 21 (Burkino Faso, Cambodia, Cameroon, and Vietnam) report sensitivities of 31–90% with specificities of 98–100%. In general, sensitivity was higher in HIV-infected compared to HIV-uninfected children, 16,18,21 and among children who were hospitalized or with more severe disease.…”