PathCare introduces Xpert MTB/XDR testing as a reflex test for rapid molecular drug susceptibility testing of rifampicin-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis (RR-TB) positive clinical samples
South Africa remains one of the top 30 high-burden countries for multidrug-resistant/rifampicin-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MDR-TB/RR-TB) (WHO, 2022). The National Department of Health (NDOH) has published updated guidelines for the management of RR-TB which recommends early access to a bedaquiline, pretomanid, linezolid and levofloxacin (BPaL-L) treatment regimen and early detection of second-line drug resistance, especially fluoroquinolone (FLQ) resistance, for optimal therapy (NDOH, 2023). Subsequently, reflex testing on direct RR-TB positive samples, within the public sector, has been implemented. Whilst the private sector has been constrained with re-imbursement challenges, it remains important to comply with guidelines, and to provide standard of care as we acknowledge that current conventional methods to detect second-line resistance, utilizing line probe assays on culture isolates, can cause severe delays and this practice has been phased out in the public sector.
Xpert MTB/XDR Testing