Key result
GeneXpert MTB/RIF delivers 100% sensitivity for rapid pericardial TB diagnosis versus conventional culture.
Why the study?
This study evaluated the diagnostic performance of the GeneXpert MTB/RIF test for detecting Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Rifampicin resistance in suspected pericardial tuberculosis compared to culture.
Does the GeneXpert MTB/RIF test improve the diagnosis of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in suspected pericardial tuberculosis compared to conventional culture?
Observational (n=27)
No
Does the GeneXpert MTB/RIF test improve the diagnosis of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in suspected pericardial tuberculosis compared to conventional culture?
Effect estimate: 100% sensitivity, 95.8% specificity
Absolute Event Rate: 14.81% vs 11.11%
GeneXpert MTB/RIF provides rapid and highly sensitive detection of pericardial tuberculosis, offering a reliable alternative to time-consuming conventional culture methods.
This study evaluated the performance of the GeneXpert MTB/RIF® test (Cepheid Inc., USA) for detecting Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Rifampicin resistance in pericardial tuberculosis (TBP), compared to culture, the reference method recommended by the Moroccan National Tuberculosis Control Programme (PNLAT). Conducted prospectively over 36 months, the study analysed 27 pericardial fluid samples from suspected TBP cases at Ibn Sina University Hospital, Rabat. Conventional methods (bacilloscopy and culture) were compared to GeneXpert MTB/RIF. Microscopy showed no positive results, whereas GeneXpert MTB/RIF and culture yielded positivity rates of 14.81% and 11.11%, respectively. Most culture-positive samples were bacilloscopy-negative. The GeneXpert MTB/RIF assay showed 100% sensitivity and NPV, with 95.8% specificity and 75% PPV. No Rifampicin resistance was identified. The findings suggest that GeneXpert MTB/RIF is a rapid and reliable first-line diagnostic tool for pericardial tuberculosis and may replace smear microscopy and culture, which require prolonged incubation.
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Maafi et al. (2026) conducted an observational in Suspected pericardial tuberculosis (n=27). GeneXpert MTB/RIF vs. Culture (Lowenstein-Jensen) and Bacilloscopy was evaluated on Diagnostic accuracy (Sensitivity and Specificity) for pericardial tuberculosis (100% sensitivity, 95.8% specificity). The GeneXpert MTB/RIF assay demonstrated 100% sensitivity and 95.8% specificity for diagnosing pericardial tuberculosis compared to culture, providing a rapid and reliable first-line diagnostic tool.
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