Evaluation of a New Rapid Slide Culture (RSC) technique for early Diagnosis of Pulmonary Tuberculosis

Desh Nidhi Singh; R. Sujatha; M.K. Meghwani; Ajay Bhagoliwal; Anil Kumar

Volume : VI, Issue : IX, September - 2017

Evaluation of a New Rapid Slide Culture (RSC) technique for early Diagnosis of Pulmonary Tuberculosis

Desh Nidhi Singh, R. Sujatha, M. K. Meghwani, Ajay Bhagoliwal, Anil Kumar

Abstract :

Introduction: Pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) is one of major cause of mortality among the infected population. Ziehl- Neelsen staining method is a commonly used low cost, rapid test but it has low sensitivity and specificity. Rapid slide culture (RSC) could be a low cost alternative culture method for rapid diagnosis of PTB.

Materials and Methods: This was a blinded prospective diagnostic trial. A total of 297 patients with suspected active PTB and direct AFB smear negative were enrolled in this study. Direct smear and smear after concentration were examined for AFB. Sample were inoculated in one MGIT system and four RSC.

Results: Out of 288 cases, 63 (21.9%) were diagnosed as PTB that were culture positive for M. tuberculosis due to growth in MGIT culture system. RSC was Positive in 54 (18.8%) cases that were culture positive for M. tuberculosis.

Discussion: In present study the time required for RSC was 6-12 days. None of the other studies Middileook 7H9 and malachite green was used, which makes RSC more sensitive and specific for Mycobacterium tuberculosis growth.