Evaluation of the Xpert® MTB/RIF Assay and Microscopy for Diagnosing Pulmonary Tuberculosis in Butembo, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Gabriel Kambale Bunduki *
Faculty of Medicine, Université Catholique du Graben, Butembo, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Adélard Kalima Nzanzu
Faculty of Medicine, Université Catholique du Graben, Butembo, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Alexandre Amini Mitamo
Université Catholique du Graben, Butembo, Democratic Republic of the Congo
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Evaluation of the Xpert® MTB/RIF Assay and Microscopy for Diagnosing Pulmonary Tuberculosis in Butembo, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of Xpert® MTB/RIF assay comparing to the acid-fast smear microscopy for diagnosing pulmonary tuberculosis cases in Butembo, Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Methodology: This was a retrospective study analyzing pulmonary tuberculosis cases that were diagnosed using both the Xpert® MTB/RIF assay and microscopy. Secondary data were collected from monthly report from the Microbiology department at GHR Katwa, Butembo, for the time period of February 2015 to September 2017.
Results: Three hundred and seventy-two specimens were collected from patients suspected of pulmonary tuberculosis. Of these, 98 (26.3%) were found to be positive for MTB by Xpert® MTB/RIF assay, out of which 73 (19.6%) were also found to be positive by microscopy. The remainder was negative. Two (2.04%) cases of resistance to rifampicin were detected. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of Xpert assay were respectively 83.6%, 87.6%, 62.2% and 95.6%.
Conclusion: The use of the Xpert® MTB/RIF coupled with microscopy as part of routine assay, permits rapid diagnosis of pulmonary MTB and detection of rifampicin resistance. It may help in the epidemiological control of pulmonary MTB.
Keywords: Tuberculosis, Xpert® MTB/RIF assay, microscopy, diagnostic tests, rifampicin, DRC