Mbuti Radebe

Mbuti Radebe


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

4Years (2023-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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19 October 2023 in Diagnostics
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
MSManuel Pedro da Silva
Manuel Pedro da Silva
NCNaseem Cassim
Naseem Cassim
SNSilence Ndlovu
Silence Ndlovu
PMPuleng Shiela Marokane
Puleng Shiela Marokane
MRMbuti Radebe
Mbuti Radebe
WSWendy Susan susan Stevens
Wendy Susan susan Stevens
This study seeks to describe the rollout and current state of South Africa’s GeneXpert molecular diagnostic program for tuberculosis (TB). Xpert MTB/RIF was introduced in 2011 with a subsequent expansion to include extra-pulmonary and paediatric testing, followed by Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra in 2017. Through a centralised laboratory information system and the use of a standardised platform for more than a decade, over 23 million tests were analysed, describing the numbers tested, Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex detection, rifampin resistance, and the unsuccessful test rates. The stratification by province, specimen type, age, and sex identified significant heterogeneity across the program and highlighted testing gaps for men, low detection yield for paediatric pulmonary TB, and the effects of inadequate specimen quality on the detection rate. The insights gained from these data can aid in the monitoring of interventions in support of the national TB program beyond laboratory operational aspects.