title: Performance of the 2007 WHO algorithm to diagnose smear-negative pulmonary tuberculosis in a HIV prevalent setting.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The 2007 WHO algorithm for diagnosis of smear-negative pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) including Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) culture was evaluated in a HIV prevalent area of Kenya.
  
  
  METHODS
  PTB smear-negative adult suspects were included in a prospective diagnostic study (2009-2011). In addition, program data (2008-2009) were retrospectively analysed. At the first consultation, clinical examination, chest X-ray, and sputum culture (Thin-Layer-Agar and Lowenstein-Jensen) were performed. Patients not started on TB treatment were clinically re-assessed after antibiotic course. The algorithm performance was calculated using culture as reference standard.
  
  
  RESULTS
  380 patients were included prospectively and 406 analyzed retrospectively. Culture was positive for MTB in 17.5% (61/348) and 21.8% (72/330) of cases. Sensitivity of the clinical-radiological algorithm was 55.0% and 31.9% in the prospective study and the program data analysis, respectively. Specificity, positive and negative predictive values were 72.9%, 29.7% and 88.6% in the prospective study and 79.8%, 30.7% and 80.8% in the program data analysis. Performing culture increased the number of confirmed TB patients started on treatment by 43.3% in the prospective study and by 44.4% in the program data analysis. Median time to treatment of confirmed TB patients was 6 days in the prospective study and 27 days in the retrospective study. Inter-reader agreement for X-ray interpretation between the study clinician and a radiologist was low (Kappa coefficient = 0.11, 95%CI: 0.09-0.12). In a multivariate logistic analysis, past TB history, number of symptoms and signs at the clinical exam were independently associated with risk of overtreatment.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The clinical-radiological algorithm is suboptimal to diagnose smear-negative PTB. Culture increases significantly the proportion of confirmed TB cases started on treatment. Better access to rapid MTB culture and development of new diagnostic tests is necessary.
authors.affiliation: Clinical Research Department, Epicentre, Paris, France. helena.huerga@epicentre.msf.org
authors.forename: Helena
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Huerga
authors.forename: Francis
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Varaine
authors.forename: Eric
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Okwaro
authors.forename: Mathieu
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bastard
authors.forename: Elisa
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Ardizzoni
authors.forename: Joseph
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Sitienei
authors.forename: Jeremiah
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Chakaya
authors.forename: Maryline
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bonnet
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000465:Algorithms; D000553:Ambulatory Care; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000150:complications* / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006801:Humans; D007090:Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009169:Mycobacterium tuberculosis / Q000187:drug effects / Q000254:growth & development / Q000502:physiology; D015995:Prevalence; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013183:Sputum / Q000382:microbiology*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D014397:Tuberculosis, Pulmonary / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000188:drug therapy; D014944:World Health Organization; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents