Author Login

Correspondence to Author: Md. Arifur Rahman^1,4,6, Mamun Ahmed²,Shafiqul Islam³, Masum Parvez⁴, Muhammad Faisal Azim⁴, S.M. Rafiq Bapari^5,6, Sadia Akhtar¹,Ahmed Abu Rus’d^*1. 

¹Department of Microbiology, Jagannath University, Dhaka 1100, Bangladesh.
² Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Dhaka. Bangladesh.
³Department of Biochemistry and Molecular biology, Jagannath University, Dhaka 1100, Bangladesh.
⁴Ibn Sina Diagnostic and Imaging centre, Dhanmondi, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
⁵Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Siddheswari College, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
⁶Human Genetics Research and training Center-HGRTC, Dhaka, Bangladesh.

DOI: 10.52338/jrmr.2025.4363

Abstract:

Objective:The Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) provides a more sensitive, specific, and efficient approach for identifying Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) in comparison to traditional (AFB) smear and culture procedures. This research seeks to evaluate the potential benefits of replacing the nested PCR technique with the Xpert MTB/rifampicin (RIF) test for the detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in an area with a moderate incidence of tuberculosis (TB).
Methodology: This research retrospectively evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of Xpert MTB/RIF and nested PCR for tuberculosis, examining sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values using SPSS. A cost-effectiveness study was performed. Data was collected from 350 individuals (210 men, 140 females) at Ibn Sina institutions and hospitals in Dhaka City from July 2021 to June 2023, using standardized questionnaires to obtain demographic and clinical information.
Result: An examination including 350 individuals (210 men, 140 women) revealed that 28% of samples tested positive for Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), with 72.44% of the cases occurring in males. Pulmonary specimens, especially sputum, had the greatest detection rates. Molecular techniques including as GeneXpert and Nested PCR exceeded AFB smear and culture, with Nested PCR demonstrating 100% sensitivity and specificity across all specimen types.
Conclusion: In conclusion, the Xpert MTB/RIF assay offers faster, more sensitive detection of rifampicin resistance than nested PCR, making it key for rapid TB diagnosis. However, nested PCR remains superior in low-bacterial-load cases. High costs and specialized equipment limit Xpert’s use in resourcepoor settings, emphasizing the need for affordable, accessible diagnostics.

Keywords: Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB), Molecular detection, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), Pulmonary tuberculosis, Xpert MTB/RIF.

Citation:

Dr.Md. Arifur Rahman, Assessing The Effectiveness Of Both The Xpert Mtb/Rif Assay And Nested Pcr For Mycobacterium Tuberculosis Identification. Journal of Respiratory Medicine and Research 2025.