Publication
Title
Discordances between molecular assays for rifampicin resistance in Mycobacterium tuberculosis: frequency, mechanisms and clinical impact
Author
Abstract
Background: Molecular assays are endorsed for detection and confirmation of rifampicin-resistant TB. The frequency, causal mechanisms and impact of discordant results between molecular tests are not well understood. Methods: The prevalence of discordant results was determined by pairwise comparison of molecular test results in a cohort of 749 rifampicin-resistant TB patients in three South African provinces. Culture isolates were sent to a research laboratory for WGS and rifampicin MIC determination. Clinical information was collected through medical file review. Results: The prevalence of discordances between Xpert MTB/RIF and MTBDRplus was 14.5% (95% CI 10.9%-18.9%), 5.6% (95% CI 2.2%-13.4%) between two consecutive Xpert assays and 4.2% (95% CI 2.2%-7.8%) between two consecutive MTBDRplus assays. Likely mechanisms of discordances were false rifampicin susceptibility on MTBDRplus (due to variants not included in mutant probes or heteroresistance with loss of minor variants in culture), false resistance on molecular assay in rifampicin-susceptible isolates, and human error. The healthcare worker changed the treatment regimen in 33% of patients with discordant results and requested 232 additional molecular tests after a first confirmatory test was performed in 460 patients. A follow-up Xpert assay would give the healthcare worker the 'true' rifampicin-resistant TB diagnosis in at least 73% of discordant cases. Conclusions: The high rate of discordant results between Xpert and MTBDRplus has important implications for the laboratory, clinician and patient. While root causes for discordant result are multiple, a follow-up Xpert assay could guide healthcare workers to the correct treatment in most patients.
Language
English
Source (journal)
The journal of antimicrobial chemotherapy. - London, 1975, currens
Publication
London : 2020
ISSN
0305-7453 [print]
1460-2091 [online]
DOI
10.1093/JAC/DKZ564
Volume/pages
75 :5 (2020) , p. 1123-1129
ISI
000537415500007
Pubmed ID
32016320
Full text (Publisher's DOI)
Full text (publisher's version - intranet only)
UAntwerpen
Faculty/Department
Research group
Project info
Development of a Centre for Whole Genome Sequencing studies of Mycobacterium.
Publication type
Subject
Affiliation
Publications with a UAntwerp address
External links
Web of Science
Record
Identifier
Creation 17.07.2020
Last edited 03.12.2024
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