Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 5, 2025
09:34
An Automated Culture System for Use in Preclinical Testing of Host-Directed Therapies for Tuberculosis
Published on: August 16, 2021
2.1K
Long-Term GeneXpert Positivity after Treatment for Pulmonary Tuberculosis
Luisa Costantini1, Marco Marando2, Pietro Gianella2
1Department of Internal Medicine, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale, Lugano, Switzerland.
European Journal of Case Reports in Internal Medicine
|October 21, 2020
Summary
GeneXpert tests can remain positive for tuberculosis (TB) in patients even years after treatment completion. This case highlights the need for further research into interpreting GeneXpert results in patients with a history of TB.
Area of Science:
- Clinical Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Respiratory Medicine
Background:
- Tuberculosis (TB) remains a significant global health challenge.
- GeneXpert assays, including Xpert MTB/RIF, are widely used for TB diagnosis.
- The reliability of GeneXpert in patients with prior TB treatment is not well-established.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a case of a GeneXpert-positive but culture-negative result in a patient with a history of pulmonary TB.
- To investigate the persistence of GeneXpert positivity after TB treatment.
Main Methods:
- Case report of a patient with a history of pulmonary TB.
- Analysis of GeneXpert assay results on bronchoalveolar lavage.
- Comparison with mycobacterial culture results.
Main Results:
- The patient, previously treated for TB, presented with a GeneXpert positive result.
- Mycobacterial culture from bronchoalveolar lavage was negative.
- GeneXpert positivity was observed 22 months post-treatment.
Conclusions:
- GeneXpert assays are crucial for TB diagnosis, offering good sensitivity and specificity.
- Persistent GeneXpert positivity can occur in patients with a history of TB long after treatment.
- Further research is needed to clarify GeneXpert's role in diagnosing TB in patients with prior treatment history.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:28Pulmonary Tuberculosis V
351
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...
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...
351
01:28Pulmonary Tuberculosis II
1.0K
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...
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...
1.0K
01:31Pulmonary Tuberculosis III
671
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:
The first classification is based on the development of the disease, and it includes the following categories:
671
01:29Pulmonary Tuberculosis I
576
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...
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...
576
01:26Pulmonary Tuberculosis IV
309
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...
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...
309
01:27Pneumothorax-II
674
Pneumothorax is a medical condition defined by the buildup of air in the pleural space between the lungs and the chest wall. This accumulation of air can lead to partial or complete lung collapse, resulting in a range of clinical manifestations. Understanding the clinical presentation and effective management strategies is crucial for healthcare professionals in providing timely and appropriate care to individuals with pneumothorax.
Clinical Manifestations:
Clinical Manifestations:
674