Bacterial Loads Measured by the Xpert MTB/RIF Assay as Markers of Culture Conversion and Bacteriological Cure in Pulmonary TB.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Biomarkers are needed to monitor tuberculosis (TB) treatment and predict treatment outcomes. We evaluated the Xpert MTB/RIF (Xpert) assay as a biomarker for TB treatment during and at the end of the 24 weeks therapy.

Methods

Sputum from 108 HIV-negative, culture-positive pulmonary TB patients was analyzed using Xpert at time points before and during anti-TB therapy. Results were compared against culture. Direct Xpert cycle-threshold (Ct), a change in the Ct (delta Ct), or a novel "percent closing of baseline Ct deficit" (percent closing) were evaluated as classifiers of same-day and end-of-treatment culture and therapeutic outcomes.

Results

Xpert was positive in 29/95 (30.5%) of subjects at week 24; and positive one year after treatment in 8/64 (12.5%) su

SUBMITTER: Shenai S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4980126 | biostudies-literature | 2016

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature