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Research Paper | Obstetrics and Gynecology | India | Volume 14 Issue 3, March 2025 | Rating: 5.2 / 10
Diagnostic Efficacy of Cartridge-Based Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (CB-NAAT) Compared with Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) in Detecting Genital Tuberculosis in Endometrial Tissue Among Infertile Women in India
Dr. Shireen Mumtaz Barbhuiya, Dr. Nazreen Mumtaz Barbhuiya, Dr. Sheikh Khurshid Alam Ali
Abstract: Introduction: Female genital tuberculosis (FGTB) is a significant yet often undetected contributor to infertility in tuberculosis-endemic regions like India, where it accounts for a notable proportion of infertility cases. Rapid and accurate diagnostic tools are critical due to the limitations of conventional methods in this paucibacillary condition. Objectives: This study aimed to assess the diagnostic efficacy of Cartridge-Based Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (CB-NAAT) and Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) in detecting Mycobacterium tuberculosis in endometrial tissue from infertile women, and to compare their performance in a high-TB-burden setting. Methods: A prospective study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital in India from March 2022 to March 2024, involving 52 infertile women with suspected FGTB. Endometrial biopsies were analyzed using CB-NAAT, RT-PCR, and histopathology, with culture as a reference standard where feasible. Sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values were calculated. Results: Of 52 participants, histopathology confirmed FGTB in 19 (36.5%). CB-NAAT detected MTB in 15 cases (sensitivity 78.9%, specificity 100%), while RT-PCR identified 16 cases (sensitivity 84.2%, specificity 96.9%). CB-NAAT reported one rifampicin-resistant case, with results available in 2 hours compared to 6?8 hours for RT-PCR. Discussion: CB-NAAT?s high specificity and rapid results, including resistance profiling, make it practical for resource-limited settings, though its sensitivity is slightly lower than RT-PCR?s. RT-PCR?s higher sensitivity may better detect low-bacillary FGTB, but its complexity and potential for false positives pose challenges. Combining these tests with histopathology optimizes diagnosis. Conclusion: Both CB-NAAT and RT-PCR enhance FGTB detection in infertile women, with CB-NAAT offering practical advantages and RT-PCR providing superior sensitivity. An integrated diagnostic approach is recommended for effective management in India.
Keywords: Female genital tuberculosis, infertility, CB-NAAT, RT-PCR, endometrial tissue, molecular diagnostics
Edition: Volume 14 Issue 3, March 2025,
Pages: 1626 - 1628