Higher prevalence of pulmonary tuberculosis revealed by Xpert MTB/RIF ultra among drug users in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is one of the eight countries with the highest burden of tuberculosis (TB) in the world. The public health system is inadequate and the screening for TB in the key and vulnerable population (KVP), including drug users (DU) is not currently done. The present study aimed to determine the prevalence of pulmonary TB among DU in Kinshasa by comparing molecular tests with microscopic techniques.

Methods

A cross-sectional study covering 22 townships (out of 24) of Kinshasa was conducted from October to December 2023. Sputum samples were collected from DUs aged ≥ 18 years, clinically suspected of TB, and attending drug consumption sites. The samples were analyzed by both the Acid-fast bacilli (AFB)-Nelseen hot staining and Xpert MT

SUBMITTER: Nkisi GB 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11969725 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature