Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra Assay Using Stool: an Effective Solution for Bacilli Identification from Adult Pulmonary Tuberculosis Suspects without Expectorated Sputum

This study is aimed at assessing the value of Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra (Xpert-Ultra) in PTB on stool in adult in low HIV settings and Xpert-Ultra assay on stool sample harboring comparable sensitivity with Xpert MTB/RIF on respiratory tract specimens. Although the yield in stool samples by Xpert-Ultra is lower than RTS, it may be useful in detecting disease in presumptive TB patients who cannot expectorate sputum and are not open to BALF collection. In addition, Xpert-Ultra with a "trace call" on stool in adult was highly supportive of PTB.