Molecular–genetic assay results and clinical, radiological features in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis

Abstract

Background: Early diagnosis of smear-negative and multidrug-resistant tuberculosis represents a national priority, considering the fact that the Republic of Moldova ranks in the list of 30 high burden multidrug-resistance tuberculosis countries, with 26% rate of primary drug-resistance and 64% acquired drug-resistance. In April 2012 it was implemented the real-time fully automated diagnostic molecular test in 15 Moldovan districts and penitentiary institutions. The new assay leads to enhance the tuberculosis early diagnosis, especially multidrug resistant tuberculosis. Material and methods: A retrospective, selective, descriptive and case-control study was performed using 361 new pulmonary tuberculosis patients, diagnosed and hospitalized in the Municipal Clinical Hospital of Phthysiopneumology of Chisinau city in the period of 01.01.2014-01.01.2015. The total sample was distributed in 2 groups: first group included 174 patients with pulmonary tuberculosis assessed by positive Xpert MTB/RIF assay and the second group included 187 patients with pulmonary tuberculosis assessed having negative Xpert MTB/RIF assay. Investigations were performed according to the National Clinical Protocols. Results: The biggest rate of patients included in the research was detected by passive way, in the frame of examination of the symtomatic case: 111 (63.8%) patients of the 1st Group comparing with 87 (46.5%) in the 2nd Group, p<0.001. Conclusions: The use of Xpert MTB/RIF technique must be improved in municipality Chisinau for achieving the international quality standards.