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. 2025 Feb 13;12(3):ofaf086.
doi: 10.1093/ofid/ofaf086. eCollection 2025 Mar.

Systematic Screening for Tuberculosis Using Molecular Testing on Stool Samples in Acutely Malnourished Children: A Pilot Implementation Study in a High-Burden Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis Country

Joan Martínez-Campreciós  1   2 , Juan Espinosa-Pereiro  1   2 , Arlete Nindia  3 , Maria Cerezuela  4 , Marta Sales  4 , Ermelinda Tchiloka  4 , Elena Trigo  1 , Elena Sulleiro  5 , Nicolau Sicaleta  6 , Maria Teresa Tórtola  5 , Adrián Sánchez-Montalvá  1   2   7 , Inés Oliveira-Souto  1   2 , Maria Luisa Aznar  1   2 , Israel Molina  1   2
Affiliations

Systematic Screening for Tuberculosis Using Molecular Testing on Stool Samples in Acutely Malnourished Children: A Pilot Implementation Study in a High-Burden Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis Country

Joan Martínez-Campreciós et al. Open Forum Infect Dis. .

Abstract

Systematic screening of tuberculosis (TB) using molecular testing on stool samples detected TB in 5.2% of acutely malnourished children, including cases without evident clinical symptoms. This screening strategy could enhance TB diagnosis and facilitate prompt treatment initiation in this population. Further studies are required to confirm long-term outcomes and cost-effectiveness.

Keywords: Xpert MTB/RIF ultra; acute malnutrition; stool samples; systematic screening; tuberculosis.

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