Limitations of the Xpert-MTB/RIF® assay in the initial diagnosis of tuberculosis in the context of a rural hospital in Ethiopia

Abstract

Introduction. To evaluate the implementation of Xpert-MTB/ RIF®, as an early diagnosis technique, in a rural area of Ethiopia. Material and methods. Data were retrospectively collected from those patients over 13 years of age who were requested to take the Xpert MTB/RIF® test in a rural hospital located 45 km from the reference laboratory, during the first 3 years of its implementation (2015, April-2018, April). Results. A total of 306 patients older than 13 years were evaluated, in 85 (27.8%) there was an error in the processing of the test and the result was not obtained. Of the 221 samples with results, the median time between obtaining the sample and receiving the result was 21 days and 42 of them were positive (19%, 95% CI: 14.2-24.9%). The sample with the highest diagnostic yield was adenopathy (88.8%; [8/9]; p<0.001). Conclusions. There are more bacteriological diagnoses with Xpert-MTB/RIF®, but with a delay in obtaining the result and its main objective, which is early diagnosis, is not achieved.