Question
The Gene X-pert test used for MTB detection has the additional advantage of detection of which of the following?
The correct answer is
Rifampicin resistance
Gene X-pert Test: MTB Detection and Resistance
The Gene X-pert test, specifically the Xpert MTB/RIF assay, is a rapid molecular test used for diagnosing Tuberculosis (TB) caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB).
Key Advantages of Gene X-pert MTB/RIF
- Simultaneous Detection: It detects the presence of MTB DNA.
- Resistance Detection: Critically, it simultaneously detects resistance to Rifampicin, a key first-line anti-TB drug. This is achieved by identifying mutations in the rpoB gene, which are strongly correlated with Rifampicin resistance.
Analysis of Options
- INH resistance: The standard Xpert MTB/RIF assay does not directly detect Isoniazid (INH) resistance.
- Rifampicin resistance: This is the primary additional resistance marker detected by the Xpert MTB/RIF assay alongside MTB detection.
- Multi drug resistance: While Rifampicin resistance is a component of Multi-Drug Resistance (MDR-TB), the Xpert MTB/RIF assay alone doesn't confirm MDR-TB as it doesn't test for INH resistance.
- Ethambutol resistance: The Xpert MTB/RIF assay does not detect Ethambutol resistance.
Therefore, the additional advantage of the Gene X-pert test (Xpert MTB/RIF) is the detection of Rifampicin resistance.
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Important Questions from Tuberculosis
- For Acid Fast Bacilli (AFB) to be detected in sputum by the direct microscopy, the bacillary burden in sputum typically is:
A 65-year old man, on Warfarin treatment, is started on antitubercular treatment. The pharmacologic effect of Warfarin is likely to:
- Recommended first time drug for initial treatment of tuberculosis include all EXCEPT:
The most frequent adverse reaction of significance among people treated for drug-susceptible tuberculosis is:
All adult patients in whom anti-tubercular treatment is being started should undergo baseline assessment of:
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