title: Implementing rapid testing for tuberculosis in Mozambique.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  In Mozambique, pulmonary tuberculosis is primarily diagnosed with sputum smear microscopy. However this method has low sensitivity, especially in people infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Patients are seldom tested for drug-resistant tuberculosis.
  
  
  METHODS
  The national tuberculosis programme and Health Alliance International introduced rapid testing of smear-negative sputum samples. Samples were tested using a polymerase-chain-reaction-based assay that detects Mycobacterium tuberculosis deoxyribonucleic acid and a mutation indicating rifampicin resistance; Xpert® MTB/RIF (Xpert®). Four machines were deployed in four public hospitals along with a sputum transportation system to transfer samples from selected health centres. Laboratory technicians were trained to operate the machines and clinicians taught to interpret the results.
  
  
  METHODS
  In 2012, Mozambique had an estimated 140,000 new tuberculosis cases, only 34% of which were diagnosed and treated. Of tuberculosis patients, 58% are HIV-infected.
  
  
  RESULTS
  From 2012-2013, 1558 people were newly diagnosed with tuberculosis using sputum smears at intervention sites. Xpert® detected M. tuberculosis in an additional 1081 sputum smear-negative individuals, an increase of 69%. Rifampicin resistance was detected in 58/1081 (5%) of the samples. However, treatment was started in only 82% of patients diagnosed by microscopy and 67% of patients diagnosed with the rapid test. Twelve of 16 Xpert® modules failed calibration within 15 months of implementation.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Using rapid tests to diagnose tuberculosis is promising but logistically challenging. More affordable and durable platforms are needed. All patients diagnosed with tuberculosis need to start and complete treatment, including those who have drug resistant strains.
authors.affiliation: Health Alliance International, 1107 NE 45th Street, Suite 350, Seattle, 98105, United States of America .
authors.forename: James
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Cowan
authors.affiliation: Health Alliance International, 1107 NE 45th Street, Suite 350, Seattle, 98105, United States of America .
authors.forename: Cathy
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Michel
authors.affiliation: Mozambican National Tuberculosis Control Programme, Maputo, Mozambique .
authors.forename: Ivan
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Manhiça
authors.affiliation: Health Alliance International, 1107 NE 45th Street, Suite 350, Seattle, 98105, United States of America .
authors.forename: Claudio
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Monivo
authors.affiliation: Health Alliance International, 1107 NE 45th Street, Suite 350, Seattle, 98105, United States of America .
authors.forename: Desiderio
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Saize
authors.affiliation: Stop TB Partnership, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland .
authors.forename: Jacob
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Creswell
authors.affiliation: Health Alliance International, 1107 NE 45th Street, Suite 350, Seattle, 98105, United States of America .
authors.forename: Stephen
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Gloyd
authors.affiliation: Health Alliance International, 1107 NE 45th Street, Suite 350, Seattle, 98105, United States of America .
authors.forename: Mark
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Micek
mesh_terms: D000995:Antitubercular Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D008828:Microbiological Techniques / Q000379:methods*; D009073:Mozambique / Q000453:epidemiology; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D013183:Sputum / Q000382:microbiology*; D018088:Tuberculosis, Multidrug-Resistant / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology; D014397:Tuberculosis, Pulmonary / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology
chemical_list: D000995:Antitubercular Agents