title: Performance of FASTPlaqueTB and a modified protocol in a high HIV prevalence community in South Africa.
abstract: Modifications in the FASTPlaqueTB test protocol have resulted in an increase in the analytical limits of detection. This study investigated whether the performance of a modified prototype was able to increase the detection of smear-negative, culture-positive sputum samples as compared to the first generation FASTPlaqueTB test. Modifications to the FASTPlaqueTB did result in increased detection of smear-negative samples, but this was associated with a decrease in the specificity of the test. Before the FASTPlaqueTB can be considered as a viable replacement for smear microscopy and culture for the identification of tuberculosis, further work is required to resolve the performance issues identified in this study.
authors.affiliation: Biotec Laboratories South Africa Ltd, Cape Town, South Africa. andre.trollip@bioteclabs.co.za
authors.forename: André P
authors.initials: AP
authors.lastname: Trollip
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Albert
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Mole
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Marshall
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: van Cutsem
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Coetzee
mesh_terms: D015897:Comorbidity; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006801:Humans; D008826:Microbial Sensitivity Tests / Q000379:methods*; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D013019:South Africa / Q000453:epidemiology; D013183:Sputum / Q000382:microbiology; D014397:Tuberculosis, Pulmonary / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology*