Journal of AdvancedMedical and Dental Sciences Research

Background: Evidence from 138 studies published before 2008 suggested that nucleic acid amplification technologies (NAAT) could not replace conventional mycobacterial tests (microscopy, culture) for diagnosing pulmonary and, especially, extrapulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB). The present study was conducted for assessing the accuracy of Xpert MTB/RIF assay in comparison to Liquid culture in extrapulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB) patients. Materials & methods: The present study was conducted for assessing the accuracy of Xpert MTB/RIF assay in comparison to Liquid culture in extrapulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB) patients. A total of 50 patients with extrapulmoanry tuberculosis were assessed. Complete demographic and clinical details of all the patients were obtained. Extra-pulmonary specimens were collected in a sterile container and were assessed. Specimen thus collected was subjected to liquid culture and Xpert MTB/RIF. Results were analysed by SPSS software. Results: Overall, the sensitivity and specificity of Xpert MTB/RIF assay was 45.6% and 61.9% respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of Xpert MTB/RIF assay for Ascitic fluid specimen was 100% and 65.5% respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of Xpert MTB/RIF assay for Lymph node biopsy was 76% and 66.2% respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of Xpert MTB/RIF assay for pleural fluid specimen was 25.2% and 41.9% respectively. Conclusion: The GeneXpert MTB/RIF test has significant sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of EPTB.