Field performance of the Abbott RealTime MTB assay for the diagnosis of extrapulmonary tuberculosis in a low-prevalence setting

摘要: Abstract Introduction The sensitivities of conventional mycobacterial culture in solid or liquid media and acid-fast bacilli (AFB) smear microscopy for Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) detection extrapulmonary specimens are suboptimal. We evaluated the field performance Abbott RealTime MTB assay diagnosis a low-prevalence setting. Methods total number with PCR results was 566: sterile fluids (n = 278), non-sterile (n = 147), lymph node material (n = 69) tissue biopsies (n = 63), abscess aspirates (n = 9). A composite standard consisting results, clinical treatment response to anti-TB drugs, when administered, histopathology, radiological laboratory findings were used as reference sensitivity specificity calculations. Results Mycobacterial cultures positive 17 28 specimens, respectively. overall agreement between moderate (Cohen's kappa coefficient: 0.549; P = 0.0001). Taking our standard, 77.7%, 99.5%, PPV 95.4%, NPV 98.8%. In turn, 62.9%, 100%, 97.9%. Conclusion good makes it valuable use molecular methods along improves tuberculosis.