This prospective, multi-center study aims to evaluate the Molecular Bacterial Load Assay (MBLA) on lymph node aspirates as a tool to distinguish between late immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS) and treatment failure in patients with extrapulmonary tuberculosis (TB) presenting with paradoxical lymph node swelling. The study will compare MBLA results with Xpert MTB/RIF and culture findings and assess their correlation with patient outcomes. By quantifying viable M. tuberculosis via 16S rRNA detection, MBLA may offer a rapid, culture-independent method to inform clinical decisions and reduce overtreatment.
Patient with extrapulmonary tuberculosis
Progressive or persistant lymphadenopathy
Treatment for tuberculosis for at least 3 months
Age ≥ 18 years
Lack of capacity to provide informed consent
Age < 18 years