Efficacy of gene xpert over other diagnostic modalities of tuberculosis among children

Abstract

Background: Diagnosis of tuberculosis is a challenge especially among children. GeneXpert has been recommended as a diagnostic test in children. Objectives of this study was to efficacy of GeneXpert over other diagnostic modalities of Tuberculosis like Sputum smear microscopy, Mantoux testing, X-ray chest among children.Methods: A cross sectional hospital-based study was conducted over a period of 24 months among 150 children. All the patients who were having suspicion of Tuberculosis on the basis of History & Examination (fulfilling inclusion criteria) had been enrolled in the study. After doing all preliminary investigations clinical diagnosis has been made and Gene X’pert was carried out for all the samples collected. Pearson chi square test and Fishers exact test was applied wherever appropriate.Results: There was statistically no significant (p >0.05) difference of GeneXpert positivity within different age groups of Suspected TB patients. GeneXpert was positive in 80% with symptom of Cough lasting more than 2 weeks, in 78.8% with fever more than 2 weeks, in 88.9% with FTT, in 76.5% with H/O Koch’s contact, in 77.8% with H/O convulsion, in 69% with significant lymphadenopathy. GeneXpert was positive in all suspected TB patients having ZN staining positive for AFB. In clinically TB diagnosed patients, 86.5% were positive for GeneXpert.Conclusions: GeneXpert is a novel diagnostic modality of choice in all suspected Pulmonary & Extra-pulmonary TB cases among children. It can be used as a primary tool in Pulmonary TB with smear negative samples in pediatric age group.