An evaluation of the Xpert MTB/RIF assay and detection of false-positive rifampicin resistance in Mycobacterium tuberculosis

Diagn Microbiol Infect Dis. 2012 Oct;74(2):207-9. doi: 10.1016/j.diagmicrobio.2012.06.013. Epub 2012 Jul 20.

Abstract

Recent reports suggest that false-positive rifampicin resistance may be assigned by the Xpert MTB/RIF assay. We analysed 169 specimens using the MTB/RIF assay. Using culture as the gold standard, we found that the assay had 100% sensitivity and specificity for detecting M. tuberculosis. However, we found that the assay incorrectly assigned rifampicin resistance in 4/13 (31%) of cases.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study

MeSH terms

  • Antitubercular Agents / pharmacology*
  • Bacteriological Techniques / methods*
  • Drug Resistance, Bacterial*
  • False Positive Reactions
  • Humans
  • Molecular Diagnostic Techniques / methods*
  • Mycobacterium tuberculosis / drug effects*
  • Mycobacterium tuberculosis / isolation & purification
  • Rifampin / pharmacology*
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Tuberculosis, Multidrug-Resistant / diagnosis*

Substances

  • Antitubercular Agents
  • Rifampin