International Journal of Mycobacteriology (Jan 2023)

Trends in pediatric tuberculosis diagnosis utilizing xpert Mycobacterium tuberculosis/Rifampicin in a poor-resource, high-burden region: A retrospective, multicenter study

  • Maria Ahuoiza Garba,
  • Babatunde Oluwatosin Ogunbosi,
  • Abdullahi Musa,
  • Rasheedat Mobolaji Ibraheem,
  • Micheal Abel Alao,
  • Eunice Nnaisa Jiya-Chitumu,
  • Abiola Aira Olorukooba,
  • Hauwau Umaru Makarfi,
  • Yusuf Tahir,
  • Hafsat Ibrahim,
  • Adamu Adamu Saidu,
  • Muhammad Faruk Bashir,
  • Chioma Laura Odimegwu,
  • Adaeze Ayuk,
  • Nura Hamidu Alkali

DOI
https://doi.org/10.4103/ijmy.ijmy_1_23
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 12, no. 1
pp. 77 – 81

Abstract

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Background: The burden of tuberculosis (TB) in Nigeria remains high, and diagnosis in children, a challenge. We aimed to document yield from Xpert Mycobacterium tuberculosis/rifampicin (MTB/RIF) as a mode of diagnosis for children and the variables associated with a positive result. Methods: This was a retrospective review of TB treatment cards of children aged 0–15 years managed from January 2017 to December 2021 across six public tertiary institutions in Nigeria. The data obtained were analyzed using the descriptive and inferential statistics. Statistical significance was set at P 10 years), the presence of pulmonary TB (PTB), and a negative human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) status were associated with positive Xpert MTB/RIF tests (P = 0.002, 0.001, and 0.012, respectively). Conclusion: The utilization of Xpert MTB/RIF in children increased in the years before the COVID-19 pandemic. Factors associated with MTB detection by Xpert MTB/RIF include older age, the presence of PTB, and a negative HIV status. Clinical and radiological evaluation continues to play vital roles in the diagnosis of childhood TB in Nigeria.

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