The use of Gene-Xpert MTB RIF in the diagnosis of extrapulmonary tuberculosis in childhood and adolescence

INTRODUCTIONGene-Xpert MTB RIF (Xpert) is based on nucleic acid amplification by real-time polymerase chain reaction, which allows for the identification of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and rifampin resistance. We describe the use of Xpert for extrapulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB) in children and adolescents. METHODSA case series of two reference centers in Rio de Janeiro from 2014-2019. RESULTSThe final diagnosis of EPTB was established in 11/36 (31%) patients, with five cases detectable by Xpert. For lymph node evaluation (9/11), diagnosis by Xpert occurred in 5/9 patients, all with caseous aspects. CONCLUSIONSXpert can facilitate the rapid diagnosis of lymph node tuberculosis.