Performance of Various Pelvic-Derived Samples for the Diagnosis of Female Genital Tract Tuberculosis by Conventional and Molecular Methods: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Abstract
Female genital tuberculosis (FGTB) is a challenging extrapulmonary manifestation of tuberculosis, often presenting with nonspecific symptoms and a paucibacillary profile, complicating diagnosis. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the diagnostic performance of various pelvic-derived samples using conventional and molecular tests. A comprehensive literature search was conducted across multiple databases from inception up to August 2024, following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Studies assessing the sensitivity, specificity, or positivity rates of tests such as Ziehl-Neelsen (ZN) staining, culture, histopathology, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and GeneXpert MTB/RIF on samples including endometrial biopsy, aspirates, menstrual blood, and peritoneal fluid were included. Meta-analysis using bivariate random-effects models was undertaken where feasible. Endometrial samples were the most commonly evaluated among the included studies. ZN staining and culture demonstrated high specificity (pooled specificity: 1.00) but poor sensitivity (ZN: 10%; culture: 23%). Histopathology exhibited variable sensitivity (2.56-75%) and high specificity (98%). PCR showed pooled sensitivity and specificity of 54% and 97%, respectively, with considerable heterogeneity. GeneXpert demonstrated excellent specificity (pooled 100%) but low sensitivity (14%). Menstrual blood and pelvic washings were explored with variable results;…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a meta-analysis. Its evidence level is 1 of 5 (Highest · pooled evidence). Pooled evidence from several studies sits at the top of the evidence pyramid.
Read the paper
Related studies
- Ferulic acid regulates the AKT/GSK-3β/CRMP-2 signaling pathway in a middle cerebral artery occlusion animal model
- Novel Pharmacokinetic/Pharmacodynamic Parameters Quantify the Exposure–Effect Relationship of Levofloxacin against Fluoroquinolone-Resistant Escherichia coli
- Photochemical behavior of levofloxacin
- Correlation Between Dissolution Profiles of Salt-Form Drugs in Biorelevant Bicarbonate Buffer and Oral Drug Absorption: Importance of Dose/ Fluid Volume Ratio
- Evaluation of the synergistic potential and mechanisms of action for de novo designed cationic antimicrobial peptides
- Synthesis of [11C]levofloxacin
Go deeper in Evidence Hub
Evidence Hub adds a study data sheet (design, sample size, evidence level, key numbers), an AI summary and a chat grounded in the paper's text.