The Xpert MTB/RIF test integrates sample decontamination, hands-free operation, on-board sample processing, and ultra-sensitive hemi-nested PCR for the simultaneous detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and rifampicin resistance, either in expectorated sputum or concentrated sputum sediments, in approximately two hours. Testing is standardized and requires only moderate laboratory infrastructure and training.
Tuberculosis (TB) due to Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) remains a major public health issue: the infection affects up to one third of the world population1, and almost two million people are killed by TB each year.2 Universal access to high-quality, patient-centered treatment for all TB patients is emphasized by WHO’s Stop TB Strategy.3 The rapid detection of MTB in respiratory specimens and drug therapy based on reliable drug resistance testing results are a prerequisite for the successful implementation of this strategy. However, in many areas of the world, TB diagnosis still relies on insensitive, poorly standardized sputum microscopy methods. Ineffective TB detection and the emergence and transmission of drug-resistant MTB strains increasingly jeopardize global TB control activities.2
Effective diagnosis of pulmonary TB requires the availability – on a global scale – of standardized, easy-to-use, and robust diagnostic tools that would allow the direct detection of both the MTB complex and resistance to key antibiotics, such as rifampicin (RIF). The latter result can serve as marker for multidrug-resistant MTB (MDR TB) and has been reported in > 95% of the MDR-TB isolates.4, 5 The rapid availability of reliable test results is likely to directly translate into sound patient management decisions that, ultimately, will cure the individual patient and break the chain of TB transmission in the community.2
Cepheid’s (Sunnyvale, CA, U.S.A.) Xpert MTB/RIF assay6, 7 meets the demands outlined above in a remarkable manner. It is a nucleic-acids amplification test for 1) the detection of MTB complex DNA in sputum or concentrated sputum sediments; and 2) the detection of RIF resistance-associated mutations of the rpoB gene.8 It is designed for use with Cepheid’s GeneXpert Dx System that integrates and automates sample processing, nucleic acid amplification, and detection of the target sequences using real-time PCR and reverse transcriptase PCR. The system consists of an instrument, personal computer, barcode scanner, and preloaded software for running tests and viewing the results.9 It employs single-use disposable Xpert MTB/RIF cartridges that hold PCR reagents and host the PCR process. Because the cartridges are self-contained, cross-contamination between samples is eliminated.6 Current nucleic acid amplification methods used to detect MTB are complex, labor-intensive, and technically demanding. The Xpert MTB/RIF assay has the potential to bring standardized, sensitive and very specific diagnostic testing for both TB and drug resistance to universal-access point-of-care settings3, provided that they will be able to afford it. In order to facilitate access, the Foundation for Innovative New Diagnostics (FIND) has negotiated significant price reductions. Current FIND-negotiated prices, along with the list of countries eligible for the discounts, are available on the web.10
The Xpert MTB/RIF assay integrates sample decontamination, hands-free operation, on-board sample processing, and ultra-sensitive hemi-nested PCR for the simultaneous detection of MTB and RIF resistance, either in expectorated sputum or concentrated sediments, in a single, easy to use system. The assay’s analytical limit of detection was found to be 131 CFU/ml of sputum.6 The log-linear relationship between Ct values and the number of MTB cells present holds true from 102 to 107 CFU/ml of sputum. As clinically relevant MTB concentrations all fall within the linear range of the assay, the assay provides semi-quantitative estimates of the bacterial load.7 The assay requires only moderate laboratory infrastructure and training. The limit of detection lies at least two orders of magnitude lower than that of conventional microscopy.6 Specificity is excellent. Furthermore, the simultaneous detection of RIF-resistant MTB is a significant benefit in the setting of point-of-care testing in the era of drug-resistant TB.3
To date only limited published data on the assay’s performance for diagnosing pulmonary TB in clinical settings are available.12; 13 The Xpert MTB/RIF assay’s overall clinical sensitivity of detecting MTB in sputum of patients with suspected pulmonary TB was 97.6% when compared to culture as the reference. These were the findings of a prospective multi-center study that involved five study sites (Lima, Peru; Baku, Azerbaijan; Cape Town & Durban, South Africa; Mumbai, India) and a total of 1462 patients. The overall pre-test probability of culture-confirmed TB in the study population was 50.7%. The sensitivity was 99.8% for smear- and culture-positive cases and 90.2% for smear-negative, culture-positive cases. Among HIV-positive patients with pulmonary TB, the sensitivity of the MTB/ RIF test was 93.9%, as compared with 98.4% in HIV-negative patients.12 In a setting of low TB prevalence, the overall agreement for detecting MTB was 89% when compared to culture; the sensitivity was 98% for smear-positive and 72% for smear-negative specimens, respectively, and the specificity was excellent.13 There was no significant difference in sensitivity between tests on untreated sputum and those on concentrated sediments.12 In the same study, the MTB/RIF test correctly detected RIF resistance in 209 of 211 patients (99.1% sensitivity) and in all 506 patients with RIF susceptibility (100% specificity), when sequencing results were taken into account.12 The authors found that performance for both case detection, and discrimination of RIF resistance, was similar across diverse sites, suggesting that the findings are likely to be widely applicable.12 Furthermore, concentrated sediments of respiratory specimens other than sputum, such as broncho-alveolar lavage and bronchial secretions, were tested with comparable sensitivity and specificity.13 Data on the assay’s performance when testing extra-pulmonary TB is emerging.15
Global TB control urgently needs effective tools that permit rapid diagnosis of new TB cases and detection of RIF-resistant MTB in universal-access point-of-care settings.3 Current nucleic acid amplification methods used to detect MTB are complex, labor-intensive, and technically demanding. The Xpert MTB/RIF assay has the potential to bring standardized, sensitive and very specific diagnostic testing for both TB and drug resistance to these settings, provided that they will be able to afford it. In order to facilitate access, the Foundation for Innovative New Diagnostics (FIND) has negotiated significant price reductions for the Xpert MTB/RIF test. Current FIND-negotiated prices, along with the list of countries eligible for the discounts, are available on the web.10
The authors have nothing to disclose.
The authors acknowledge W. J. Looney for carefully reviewing the manuscript.
Reagent/Equipment | Company | Catalogue number |
Xpert MTB/RIF test | Cepheid | GXMTB/RIF-10 |
Transfer pipettes | Sarstedt | 86.1172.001 |
Conical tubes, 15 ml, 120 x 17 mm, PS | Sarstedt | 62.553.542 |