Diagnosis of smear-negative tuberculosis is greatly improved by Xpert MTB/RIF

5-year (January 2011-December 2015) retrospective analysis of microbiological results for the diagnosis of TB performed at the Unit of Microbiology of the S. Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital in Bologna (Italy). During the study period, 5170 specimens originated from patients with suspected TB have been examined with Xpert MTB/RIF. Database reports smear microscopy, mycobacterial culture, Xpert results (divided by assay version) and Rif detection, sample localization.