Original Research Article
Year: 2018 | Month: October-December | Volume: 3 | Issue: 4 | Pages: 29-36
Assessment of the Uptake of GeneXpert Technology for the Diagnosis of Tuberculosis in Rivers State between 2015 And 2017
I.N. Ojule, E.A Ogwuche
Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, University of Port-Harcourt.
ABSTRACT
The global roll-out of Xpert MTB/RIF has changed the diagnostic landscape of tuberculosis (TB). Millions of tests have been performed and detection of multidrug-resistant TB has increased three- to eight-fold compared to conventional testing. The roll-out has galvanized stakeholders and paved the way for universal drug susceptibility testing. However, there are highlighted gaps that have constrained its scale-up and limited impact on patient outcomes. Consequently, this study was carried out to assess the uptake of gene xpert technology for the diagnosis of tuberculosis in Rivers State, Nigeria. A retrospective gene Xpert program data from 11 sites (1 primary, 8 secondary and 2 tertiary health care facilities) of TB patients supported by USAID through KNCV Challenge TB and Global Fund projects in collaboration with other agencies in Rivers State was collected. Data generated from the service provided in the service sites between January 2015 and December 2017 was reviewed. Many testing sites were not adequately used and there is need for infrastructural support and capacity development. More reliable source of power with comprehensive training, strong referral systems, on-site supervision and regular monitoring should be implemented by the networks of authorized health service providers to ensure adequate and broader coverage and quality of Xpert MTB/RIF diagnostic services is achieved in Nigeria. A critical look into the performance profile of all the gene xpert machines in the state revealed that current average use rate stands at 41.02% in the State with the least being 11.30% at Abua xpert site and the highest being 136.88% at BMSH xpert site.
Key words: Tuberculosis, Genexpert Technology, Diagnosis, MDR TB, TB Patients