The Abbott RealTime MTB assay and the Cepheid GeneXpert assay show comparable performance for the detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in sputum specimens

•The Abbott RealTime MTB assay showed similar positive detection rates to the Cepheid GeneXpert assay in smear-positive, culture-positive, and smear/culture-negative groups.•There were no statistically significant differences in the sensitivities and specificities of the RealTime MTB and GeneXpert assays.•The Abbott RealTime MTB assay is a sensitive and promising method for the diagnosis of tuberculosis.