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Updated: Jul 18, 2026

Diagnosing Pulmonary Tuberculosis with the Xpert MTB/RIF Test
Published on: April 9, 2012
[Epidemiogy and treatment of tuberculosis in Switzerland]
Peter Helbling1, Jean-Pierre Zellweger, Ekkehardt Altpeter
1Office fédéral de la santé publique Maladies transmissibles, 3003 Berne. peter.helbling@bag.admin.ch
Abstract:
Problems in tuberculosis are its rarity, drug-resistant strains, and patients' social aspects. Knowing the epidemiology helps to "think tuberculosis" when some anamnestic and clinical findings are present. In a not too seriously ill patient, the emergency consists of excluding infectious tuberculosis by sputum smear examinations. A positive result will lead to the patient's isolation and the initiation of treatment. Negative smears allow to wait for culture results, while following the patient and repeating smears after a non-specific antibiotic treatment. In case of strong suspicion of tuberculosis or risk for a rapid progression, the treatment should begin without delay. Discussion with a specialist is often warranted. A follow-up by the Swiss Pulmonary Association is recommended to prevent the patient from defaulting from treatment.
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