Assessing the effectiveness of AFB smear versus genexpert MTB/RIF and real - time PCR in diagnosing tuberculosis at Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major global health challenge, with early and accurate diagnosis being critical for effective disease control. Traditional acid-fast bacilli (AFB) smear microscopy has limited sensitivity, particularly in smear-negative cases. The advent of molecular techniques, such as the GeneXpert MTB/RIF assay and real-time PCR, has significantly improved the rapid detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) and rifampicin resistance.