The Lancet. Respiratory medicine
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Comparative Study
Comparison of two methods for acquisition of sputum samples for diagnosis of suspected tuberculosis in smear-negative or sputum-scarce people: a randomised controlled trial.
Sputum obtained either under instruction from a health-care worker or through induction can improve case detection of active tuberculosis. However, the best initial sputum sampling strategy for adults with suspected smear-negative or sputum-scarce tuberculosis in primary care is unclear. We compared these two methods of sample acquisition in such patients. ⋯ South African National Research Foundation, European Commission, National Institutes of Health, European and Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership, Discovery Foundation.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study
Assessment of the sensitivity and specificity of Xpert MTB/RIF assay as an early sputum biomarker of response to tuberculosis treatment.
An accurate biomarker is urgently needed to monitor the response to treatment in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis. The Xpert MTB/RIF assay is a commercially available real-time PCR that can be used to detect Mycobacterium-tuberculosis-specific DNA sequences in sputum samples. We therefore evaluated this assay with serial sputum samples obtained over 26 weeks from patients undergoing treatment for tuberculosis. ⋯ Global Alliance for TB Drug Development, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, UK Medical Research Council, German Ministry of Science and Technology.