Evaluation of rapid diagnostic tests and assessment of risk factors in drug-resistant pulmonary tuberculosis

BACKGROUND: Early diagnosis and treatment of drug-resistant tuberculosis (TB) is crucial to halt the spread of drug resistance in the community. AIM: The aim of the study was to compare rapid diagnostic tests (GeneXpert and line probe assay, LPA) with conventional liquid culture for the diagnosis of drug-resistant TB and to assess the risk factors for it. METHOD: value of < 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: value < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Both rapid diagnostic tests have very high sensitivity and specificity for detection of drug resistance in sputum smear positive with the advantage of short turn-around time. Defaulting to antitubercular therapy, contact with resistant TB, and disseminated disease are significant risk factors for drug resistance.