Diagnosis of Tuberculosis Using Gastric Aspirates in Pediatric Patients in Haiti.

Background: We aimed to determine whether the Xpert MTB/RIF (Xpert) assay is a useful adjunct to culture for the rapid diagnosis of tuberculosis (TB) using gastric lavage aspirates (GLAs) in children aged < 5 years.

Methods: We reviewed the yield from diagnostic modalities in children suspected of having TB followed at an infectious disease research and treatment center in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, from 2011 to 2016.

Results: In 187 children clinically diagnosed with TB, a microbiologic diagnosis could be established in 40 (21%).