Background The dual challenge of low diagnostic sensitivity of microscopy test and technical challenge of performing a TB culture test poses a problem for case detection and initiation of Tuberculosis (TB) second-line treatment. There is thus need for a rapid, reliable and easily accessible assay. This comparative analysis was performed to assess diagnostic performance characteristics of GeneXpert MTB/RIF and Line Probe Assay (LPA). Methods Three hundred twenty nine sputum samples of patients across the 47 counties in Kenya suspected to have drug resistant TB were picked and subjected to GeneXpert, LPA and Culture MGIT at the National TB Reference Laboratory. Sensitivity, specificity and predictive values were then determined to assess the performance characteristics of the various assays. Results Against culture MGIT as the gold standard for TB diagnosis, GeneXpert had a sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of 78.5, 64.9, 59.4 and 82.2% respectively while LPA had 98.4, 66.0, 65.4 and 98.4%. For diagnosis of rifampicin mono-resistance GeneXpert had a moderate agreement (Kappa 0.59, P < 0.01) (sensitivity 62.50%, specificity 96.50%) while LPA that had almost perfect agreement (Kappa = 0.89, p < 0.01) with a (sensitivity 90.0% and specificity 99.1%). Conclusion LPA has a better performance characteristic to GeneXpert and an alternative to culture with regards to detection of RIF’s mono-resistance.

In Kenya and Kazakhstan, integration of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing results into the routine surveillance of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) proved feasible and useful. The integration process improved overall data quality and data validation capacity, and integrated data are a useful addition to routine cohort and treatment outcome data. Besides their importance for individual patient care, they provide trends on the association of MDR-TB and HIV in the routine programme setting. They also form a useful epidemiological basis for more specific studies, such as on nosocomial outbreaks. Whether the system itself is sensitive enough to monitor possible outbreaks needs further investigation.

Introduction: Recently rapid development of drug resistant TB, particularly MDR TB (Multi Drug Resistant TB) and XDRTB (Extensively Drug-Resistant TB) possess a major threat to control of tuberculosis globally. Information on the extent of MDR-TB from Kenya is largely limited due to several factors. Monitoring of development of resistance is a vital tool in providing critical information for effective planning for TB control and in management of patients infected with TB. Methods: Cross-sectional with cluster design. Results: A total of 2,171 participants recruited into the study from 50 selected clusters. Prevalence of rifampicin resistance for new cases was 1.3% [95% CI, 0.8-2.0] and INH resistance was 5.5% [95% CI, 4.5-6.7]. MDR TB was found in 0.67% of new cases and 2.1% amongst previously treated TB cases. Discussion: Resistance to isoniazid in Kenya has been on the decline due to introduction of rifampicin in combined therapy. There was increase of MDR TB among new cases by 24% and decline in previously treated cases due to lethal impact of HIV. Conclusions: Although drug resistance TB is a growing problem in Kenya, resistance to isoniazid and rifampicin MDR TB is less than previously estimated. The country should continue to monitor drug resistance and ensure effective use of anti TB medicines.