Diagnostic accuracy of stool based Xpert MTB/RIF ultra assay for diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis in children, Northwest Ethiopia.

ABSTRACT: Diagnosing childhood pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) presents unique challenges, including paucibacillary disease, difficulties in specimen collection, and limited diagnostics. Hence, millions of children with tuberculosis (TB) infection remain underdiagnosed. Therefore, our research team evaluated diagnostic accuracy of stool-based Xpert ultra for detecting PTB in children. Five ml respiratory and 3 g stool specimens were analyzed. Strict adherence to laboratory standard operating procedures were warranted. Diagnostic performance of stool Xpert Ultra was compared against Xpert ultra and culture on respiratory samples, and composite reference standards. Of 557 children recruited; 510 had complete microbiological results. PTB was diagnosed in 52/510 (10.2%) children with presumptive TB. Four h

SUBMITTER: Belew H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12606267 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature