Upfront Xpert MTB/RIF for diagnosis of pediatric TB-Does it work? Experience from India.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Diagnosis of TB in pediatric population poses several challenges. A novel initiative was implemented in several major cities of India aimed at providing upfront access to free-of-cost Xpert MTB/RIF to presumptive pediatric TB cases. This paper aims to describe the experience of implementing this large initiative and assess feasibility of the intervention in high TB burden settings.

Methods

Data were drawn from the pediatric TB project implemented in 10 major cities of India between April 2014 and March 2018. In each city, providers, both public and private, were engaged and linked with a high throughput Xpert MTB/RIF lab (established in that city) through rapid specimen transportation and electronic reporting system. Rates and proportions were estimated to describ

SUBMITTER: Kalra A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7406076 | biostudies-literature | 2020

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature