Stool Xpert^® MTB/RIF Ultra for TB diagnosis in children: experience from a national scale-up programme.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

We describe the programmatic scale-up of stool testing using Xpert^® MTB/RIF Ultra (Ultra), as recommended by the WHO to improve childhood pulmonary TB (PTB) diagnosis.

Methods

USAID's Alliance for Combating TB in Bangladesh Activity, in collaboration with the National TB Control Programme, is implementing a stool-based diagnostic approach at 51 healthcare facilities in Bangladesh to improve PTB detection. Specimens from children (<15 years) with presumptive TB were tested using 'stool Ultra' with routine TB diagnostics. Physicians confirmed TB diagnosis and provided treatment as per national guidelines.

Results

Between March 2022 and December 2023, 16,429 specimens were tested, 871 (5.3%) were positive, and 642 (73.7%) showed 'trace detected' r

SUBMITTER: Kabir S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11467856 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature