Comparison of GeneXpert MTB/RIF assay in broncho alveolar lavage and gastric lavage samples

Objective: To compare the yield from gastric lavage (GL) and Broncho alveolar lavage (BAL) samples in adult patient suspected case of TB but not producing sputum. Methods: Total 80 consecutive adults with suspected case of tuberculosis who were not producing sputum were recruited. 72 patients prospectively subjected to one gastric lavage and followed by Broncho-alveolar lavage on the same morning. The collected samples were subjected to GeneXpert MTB/RIF Assay. Results: Sample of 72 patients were collected. Mean age was 38.6±18.3. 41(56.9%) were male and 31(43.1%) were female. History of TB contact was present in 34.8%. Total 37 (51.4%) patients had GeneXpert MTB/RIF positive on BAL and/or GL samples. The GeneXpert MTB/RIF of BAL fluid was positive on 35(48.6%), which was not significantly greater than that for specimens from GL i.e. 28 (38.9%) (p> 0.05). In 26 (36.1%) cases GeneXpert MTB/RIF was positive both in both BAL and GA samples. Conclusion: This study showed that the yield of GeneXpert MTB/RIF in GL was equally effective to BAL to detect Mycobacterium Tuberculosis complex. Patients who can9t produce sputum, GL can be a good alternative to BAL to detect Mycobacterium Tuberculosis complex in resource poor areas and patient who doesn9t tolerate Bronchoscopy.