Tuberculosis/COVID-19 co-infection detected in a single sputum sample using a rapid molecular test.
Akemi Oshiro GuirelliThayná Rosa BispoDaniela Rodrigues ColpasIvana Barros de CamposÉrica ChimaraMaria Cecilia Cergole-NovellaItatiana Ferreira RodartValéria Dos Santos CandidoPaula Jimena Segura-RamírezVilma Dos Santos Menezes Gaiotto DarosAndreia Moreira Dos Santos CarmoPublished in: Brazilian journal of microbiology : [publication of the Brazilian Society for Microbiology] (2022)
Tuberculosis (TB) and COVID-19 affect the lungs and are transmitted mainly by aerosols or particles of saliva from infected persons. Clinical similarities between diseases can affect correct diagnosis. Individuals belonging to the population deprived of liberty (PDL) are at increased risk of contagion due to precarious sanitary conditions and overcrowded environments. A variety of specimens may be suitable for the diagnosis of COVID-19, using molecular diagnostic techniques; however, there is little data on the analysis of sputum samples with the Xpert Xpress SARS-CoV-2® for the diagnosis of COVID-19, especially in this population group. The present study reports a case of TB and COVID-19 co-infection detected in sputum from an individual belonging to the PDL. For the detection, it used the GeneXpert platform (Cepheid, USA). Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTC) was detected using the Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra® cartridge and SARS-CoV-2 was detected using the Xpert Xpress SARS-CoV-2® cartridge. The genes IS6110 and IS1081 were detected within 80 min indicating the presence of MTC, with no mutations related to resistance to rifampicin. The SARS-CoV-2 E and N2 genes were detected within 45 min. The result was confirmed by RT-qPCR with detection of E, N, and RdRP/S genes in the sputum and nasopharyngeal (NP) specimens. Rapid diagnoses that allow the identification and differentiation of such diseases are important for adequate epidemiological surveillance, isolation of infected individuals, and interruption of the transmission chain. Using the GeneXpert platform, specimens can be tested as soon as they are received, without the need for prior preparation. The US Food and Drug Administration has issued emergency authorization for the use of the Cepheid Xpert Xpress SARS-CoV-2 for the rapid detection of SARS-CoV-2 using specimens from a NP or nasal wash/aspirate. The case presented here gains an innovation with the use of the sputum to COVID-19 diagnosis.
Keyphrases
- sars cov
- mycobacterium tuberculosis
- pulmonary tuberculosis
- respiratory syndrome coronavirus
- cystic fibrosis
- loop mediated isothermal amplification
- coronavirus disease
- public health
- genome wide
- healthcare
- risk assessment
- machine learning
- single molecule
- electronic health record
- transcription factor
- hiv aids
- simultaneous determination