Publication

Abstract : Aims: The aim of the study was to determine the performance of Xpert MTB/RIF assay in diagnosing tuberculosis on thoracoscopic pleural biopsies in exudative pleural effusion. Methods: Patients who underwent thoracoscopic pleural biopsy in the defined period were included in the study. Histopathology was done for all and Xpert MTB RIF assay and AFB culture of pleural biopsy specimen and pleural fluid were done as per the clinician's discretion. Results: Total of 110 patients underwent pleural biopsy and tissue Xpert MTB/RIF and MTB culture were done in 29 patients. XpertMTB/RIF assay and MTB culture had a sensitivity of 59% and 35% respectively and specificity of specificity of 100. Conclusion: The study described the ability of XPERT MTB/RIF in getting additional diagnostic information from thoracoscopic Pleural biopsy. Pleural biopsy Xpert MTB/RIF had sensitivity of 59% and specificity of 100% in diagnosing TPE. In addition to the diagnosis, Xpert MTB/RIF can also give valuable information about rifampicin resistance too. XPERT MTB/RIF assay also helped in getting diagnosis when histopathology alone was not able to confirm or rule out the diagnosis of TPE. Pleural fluid ADA of 38 IU/L had a sensitivity of 71% and a specificity of 86% for diagnosis of TPE in present study. © 2021 Tuberculosis Association of India