Performance of the Abbott RealTime MTB and RIF/INH resistance assays for the detection of Mycobacterium Tuberculosis and resistance markers in sputum specimens.

Background: The Abbott RealTime MTB is an assay for the detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) complex DNA from respiratory specimens in combination with the Abbott RealTime RIF/INH assay for the detection of genetic resistance markers for isoniazid (INH) and rifampicin (RIF) from MTB positive isolates. Hence, this study aimed to evaluate the performance of the Abbott RealTime MTB and RIF/INH assays.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 289 study subjects presumptive to have pulmonary tuberculosis at Nigist Eleni Mohammed Memorial Hospital, South Ethiopia from April 2017 to June 2018.

Common uropathogens and their antibiotic susceptibility pattern among diabetic patients.

Background: Urinary tract infection (UTIs) is a significant health problem in diabetic patients because of the multiple effects of this disease on the urinary tract and host immune system. Complicated UTIs occur most commonly in patients with abnormal genitourinary tract. Proper investigation and prompt treatment are needed to prevent morbidity and serious life threatening condition associated with UTI and diabetes co-morbidities.

Xpert MTB/RIF assay for diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis in sputum specimens in remote health care facility.

Background: Xpert MTB/RIF assay is considered as a great advance over conventional smear and culture in the diagnosis of TB and MDR-TB by simultaneously detecting M.tuberculosis and rifampicin resistance bacilli. However, very little information regarding the performance characteristics of Xpert MTB/RIF assay is available in Ethiopia.