title: Diagnostic accuracy of Xpert MTB/RIF versus smear microscopy in the early diagnosis tuberculosis in the real life of "Umberto I" Hospital Rome.
abstract: Early diagnosis of tuberculosis (TB) is one of the primary challenges in curtailing the spread of TB. This study aimed to determine the diagnostic accuracy of Xpert MTB/RIF for the identification of M. tuberculosis in clinical specimens, and compare this to a microscopist's diagnostic performance. Xpert MTB/ RIF was positive in all specimens with culture-confirmed TB, giving a higher sensitivity than the smear microscopy (100% versus 63%). The use of the Xpert MTB/RIF, as part of routine assay, permits rapid diagnosis of TB and enables clinicians to start an effective treatment.
authors.affiliation: Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, 'Sapienza' University, Rome, Italy.
authors.forename: Ilaria
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Sauzullo
authors.affiliation: Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, 'Sapienza' University, Rome, Italy.
authors.forename: Donatella Maria
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Rodio
authors.affiliation: Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, 'Sapienza' University, Rome, Italy.
authors.forename: Samantha
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Facchinetti
authors.affiliation: Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, 'Sapienza' University, Rome, Italy.
authors.forename: Gianluca
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Puggioni
authors.affiliation: Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, 'Sapienza' University, Rome, Italy.
authors.forename: Massimiliano
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: De Angelis
authors.affiliation: Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, 'Sapienza' University, Rome, Italy.
authors.forename: Paola
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Goldoni
authors.affiliation: Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, 'Sapienza' University, Rome, Italy.
authors.forename: Vincenzo
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Vullo
authors.affiliation: Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, 'Sapienza' University, Rome, Italy.
authors.forename: Fabio
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Mengoni
authors.affiliation: Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, 'Sapienza' University, Rome, Italy.
authors.forename: Maria
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Trancassini
authors.affiliation: Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, 'Sapienza' University, Rome, Italy.
authors.forename: Valeria
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Pietropaolo
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D008853:Microscopy / Q000379:methods*; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction / Q000379:methods*; D012384:Rome / Q000453:epidemiology; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D014397:Tuberculosis, Pulmonary / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000382:microbiology
keywords: Smear microscopy; Tuberculosis; Xpert MTB/RIF