Updated Recommendation
A new evidence synthesis was published:2025, WHO consolidated guidelines on tuberculosis: module 3: diagnosis
View latest version (2025)Bibliographic information
Recommendation
In adults and children with signs and symptoms of TB meningitis, Xpert MTB/RIF or Xpert Ultra should be used in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) as an initial diagnostic test for TB meningitis rather than smear microscopy/culture.
Recommended in favor
Strong
Certainty of evidence
Low
Notes and Remarks
Remarks This recommendation applies to all patients with signs and symptoms of TB meningitis. The recommendation in children with signs and symptoms of TB meningitis is based on very low certainty of evidence for test accuracy for Xpert MTB/RIF. No data were available on the accuracy of Xpert Ultra for TB meningitis in children.
Also Featured In
This recommendation also appears in the following guidelines:
WHO consolidated guidelines on tuberculosis: module 3: diagnosis – rapid diagnostics for tuberculosis detection: web annex 2. GRADE profiles
WHO consolidated guidelines on tuberculosis: module 3: diagnosis – rapid diagnostics for tuberculosis detection: web annex 2. GRADE profiles