Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jan 5, 2026

Diagnosing Pulmonary Tuberculosis with the Xpert MTB/RIF Test
08:10

Diagnosing Pulmonary Tuberculosis with the Xpert MTB/RIF Test

Published on: April 9, 2012

81.7K

A Test for More Accurate Diagnosis of Pulmonary Tuberculosis

Lin Sun1,2, Xue Qi1,2, Fang Liu2,3

  • 1Bejing Key Laboratory of Pediatric Respiratory Infectious Diseases, Beijing Pediatric Research Institute, Beijing, China.

Pediatrics
|October 27, 2019
PubMed

Insights

The Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra assay shows good sensitivity and specificity for diagnosing childhood tuberculosis using bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. This molecular test aids in rapid and accurate pediatric tuberculosis detection when sputum is unavailable.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric infectious diseases
  • Molecular diagnostics
  • Mycobacterial infections

Background:

  • The Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra assay is widely used for adult tuberculosis diagnosis.
  • Diagnostic accuracy data for childhood tuberculosis using this assay are limited.
  • Obtaining quality sputum samples from children is challenging.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy and clinical utility of the Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra assay for childhood tuberculosis.
  • To assess the assay's performance using bronchoalveolar lavage fluid in pediatric patients.

Main Methods:

  • The study enrolled 93 children with pulmonary tuberculosis and 128 with respiratory infections.
  • Diagnostic accuracy was determined against bacteriologic results and clinical evidence.
  • Concordance with the standard Xpert MTB/RIF assay was assessed using kappa coefficients.

Main Results:

  • The Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra assay demonstrated a sensitivity of 70% for all pulmonary tuberculosis cases and 91% for bacteriologically confirmed cases.
  • Specificity was high at 98%, with good agreement (kappa = 0.84) compared to the Xpert MTB/RIF assay.
  • The assay detected Mycobacterium tuberculosis in 58% of cases with negative culture or acid-fast staining.

Conclusions:

  • The Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra assay using bronchoalveolar lavage fluid offers good sensitivity for diagnosing pediatric pulmonary tuberculosis.
  • The assay provides significant clinical value for rapid and accurate diagnosis in children.
  • It is a valuable tool when sputum collection is difficult.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Synthesis, Characterization, and Application of Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide Nanoprobes for Extrapulmonary Tuberculosis Detection09:54

Synthesis, Characterization, and Application of Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide Nanoprobes for Extrapulmonary Tuberculosis Detection

Published on: February 16, 2020

6.1K
The MODS method for diagnosis of tuberculosis and multidrug resistant tuberculosis23:06

The MODS method for diagnosis of tuberculosis and multidrug resistant tuberculosis

Published on: August 11, 2008

19.5K

Related Concept Videos

Pulmonary Tuberculosis IV01:26

Pulmonary Tuberculosis IV

Tuberculosis, more commonly referred to as TB, is an infectious disease stemming from Mycobacterium tuberculosis. While it primarily impacts the lungs, TB can also affect other body areas. Given its severity and global impact, timely and accurate diagnosis is crucial for controlling its spread and improving patient outcomes.
Several diagnostic approaches are used to detect TB. The conventional method is the Tuberculin Skin Test (TST), also known as the Mantoux test. However, this method has...
452
Pulmonary Tuberculosis III01:31

Pulmonary Tuberculosis III

Tuberculosis (TB) is a contagious infection primarily affecting the lung parenchyma but which can also affect other body parts. TB can be classified based on disease development, presentation, and the affected anatomical site.
The first classification is based on the development of the disease, and it includes the following categories:
866
Pulmonary Tuberculosis V01:28

Pulmonary Tuberculosis V

Medical management of tuberculosis (TB) patients involves a comprehensive approach that includes diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring. The specific strategies can vary depending on the type of tuberculosis (latent or active), the patient's overall health status, and other considerations.
Latent tuberculosis infection occurs when TB bacteria are present in a person's body, but are not causing illness or symptoms. It is not contagious, and preventive treatment is crucial to avoid the...
510
Pulmonary Tuberculosis I01:29

Pulmonary Tuberculosis I

Tuberculosis, often called TB, is a contagious illness primarily caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It mainly affects the lung parenchyma but can also impact other body parts.
Causative Organism
The primary infectious agent causing tuberculosis is Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a slow-growing, acid-fast, aerobic rod that exhibits sensitivity to heat and ultraviolet light. Instances of Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium avium contributing to the development of TB infection are rare.
Mode of...
793
Pulmonary Tuberculosis II01:28

Pulmonary Tuberculosis II

Tuberculosis, or TB, is a bacterial infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. While its primary impact is on the lungs, leading to pulmonary tuberculosis, it can also affect various other organs, a condition referred to as extrapulmonary tuberculosis.
Here is a detailed explanation of its pathophysiology:
Transmission: The process begins when a person inhales droplet nuclei containing M. tuberculosis. These are typically released into the air when an individual with pulmonary or...
1.3K
Pneumonia III: Complications and Assessment01:30

Pneumonia III: Complications and Assessment

Pneumonia poses the potential for numerous complications that warrant consideration. These complications include the following:
744