How accurate are sputum Xpert tests for screening for active pulmonary tuberculosis and rifampicin resistance in adults whether or not they have tuberculosis symptoms?Why is using Xpert tests to screen for pulmonary tuberculosis important?

Original version published on 30 September 2020.This is the second update of this review. The review authors included studies in people with suspected COVID-19 only, and excluded studies in people with confirmed COVID-19. The evidence is up to date to 30 September 2020. 

During May 2021, we have published 2 new Cochrane reviews and one Cochrane review update in Issue 5, 2021 of the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews.

One new COVID-19 review, one updated COVID-19 review, and one updated Cochrane review  are in Issue 2, 2021 of the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews.

Why is improving the diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis important?

Hydroxychloroquine does not reduce deaths from COVID-19, and probably does not reduce the number of people needing mechanical ventilation, state the authors of a new Cochrane Review. In addition, they note that no new trials of hydroxychloroquine or chloroquine for treating COVID-19 should be started.

What are the benefits and risks of atovaquone‐proguanil for treating uncomplicated malaria caused by the Plasmodium falciparum parasite?What is the aim of this review?

How accurate are tests (Xpert Ultra and Xpert MTB/RIF) for diagnosing tuberculosis outside the lungs (extrapulmonary tuberculosis) and rifampicin resistance?Why is using Xpert tests for extrapulmonary tuberculosis important?

Two updated Cochrane reviews and one new protocol are available in Issue 1, 2021 of the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews.