Evaluation of the cobas MTB and MTB-RIF/INH assay in clinical samples for the detection of <i>Mycobacterium tuberculosis</i> in respiratory specimens

Our manuscript addresses the WHO recommendation for the use of "moderate-complexity automated NAATs for detection of TB and resistance to rifampicin and isoniazid" as a part of the WHO End TB Strategy. Rapid detection of tuberculosis (TB) patients is essential to preventing TB transmission and finally reducing TB burden. In this study, we present data on the sensitivity and specificity of the novel cobas MTB assay for TB detection in a low-incidence country, demonstrating highly promising results. Additionally, by analyzing TB strains with various mutations conferring resistance to INH and/or RMP, we assess the opportunities and limitations of the cobas MTB-RIF/INH assay in reliably detecting drug resistance in sputum specimens, thereby facilitating the early onset of appropriate treatment.