Community-based "X-ray+Xpert® MTB/RIF ultra pooling test" case-finding strategy among high-risk groups in rural areas: a prospective application study.

ABSTRACT: Active case-finding (ACF) strategies for tuberculosis (TB) in high-incidence rural areas require cost-effective solutions. We evaluated a novel community-based ACF strategy integrating pooled sputum molecular testing via Xpert® MTB/RIF Ultra. A prospective study was conducted in three high-TB-incidence rural townships in Zhejiang, China (2024). Residents aged ≥65 years underwent centralized health check-ups, including chest X-rays (CXR). Sputum samples from eight consecutive individuals with abnormal CXR findings were pooled for Xpert® MTB/RIF Ultra testing. Positive pools prompted individual retesting. Participants with positive individual test results were referred to designated hospitals for standardized treatment. Among 16,558 eligible residents, 6,960 (42.0%) participated. CXR abnorma

SUBMITTER: Liu Z 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12798658 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature