Introduction:

Early diagnosis and accurate treatment of tuberculosis is the most effective way to control the disease and prevent transmission. Xpert Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB)/ rifampicin (RIF) system is a nucleic acid amplification technology-based real time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test, which can detect mycobacterium tuberculosis and rifampicin resistance in clinical specimens within two hours. In this study we aimed to evaluate diagnostic performance of Xpert MTB/RIF assay.

Materials and Methods:

129 clinical samples including sputum, bronchial lavage and pleural fluid. Of these samples, 40 were smear positive and culture positive, 41 were smear- negative and culture-positive. In the study the results of X-pert MTB/RIF assay was compared to those obtained by culture (Löwenstein Jensen medium).

Results:

All smear positive and culture positive cases has been determined by Xpert MTB/RIF test. Xpert MTB /RIF test reached 95.12% sensitivity, 97.82% specifity in the diagnosis of smear- negative pulmonary tuberculosis. The sensitivity of the test in detecting rifampicin resistance was found as 81.8% with a rate of 96.92% spesificity.

Conclusion:

Reliable results for detection of mycobacterium tuberculosis and rıfampicin resitance can be obtained with Xpert MTB/RIF test within two hours of receipt.

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