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Diagnosing Pulmonary Tuberculosis with the Xpert MTB/RIF Test
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Pulmonary TB bacteriologically confirmed by induced sputum among children at Bugando Medical Centre, Tanzania

I Sabi1, R Kabyemera2, S E Mshana3

  • 1Mbeya Medical Research Centre, National Institute for Medical Research, Mbeya, Tanzania; Catholic University of Health and Allied Sciences, Bugando, Mwanza, Tanzania.

The International Journal of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease : the Official Journal of the International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease
|January 22, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Diagnosing paediatric tuberculosis (TB) is challenging in resource-poor areas. Sputum induction and testing significantly improve detection rates compared to clinical scoring alone.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Research
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Global Health

Background:

  • Paediatric tuberculosis (TB) diagnosis is difficult in resource-limited settings.
  • Accurate diagnostic tools are crucial for effective treatment and control.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess induced sputum collection and examination for diagnosing pulmonary TB (PTB) in Tanzanian children.
  • To compare sputum-based diagnostics with clinical scoring tools for PTB diagnosis.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional study in Tanzania involving children with suspected TB.
  • Sputum samples analyzed via microscopy, culture, and Xpert MTB/RIF assay.
  • Comparison of microbiological confirmation with clinical TB score assessments.

Main Results:

  • 192 children enrolled; sputum obtained in 97.4% without complications.
  • Sputum examination confirmed PTB in 5.2% of cases.
  • Clinical scoring alone missed 50-90% of confirmed paediatric TB cases.

Conclusions:

  • Sputum induction is safe and feasible in resource-limited hospitals.
  • Microbiological diagnosis of PTB via sputum improves detection beyond clinical criteria.
  • Enhanced diagnostic approaches are vital for paediatric TB management.
Abstract

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