Volume : III, Issue : VII, July - 2014

Direct Detection of Mycobacterium Tuberculosis in Sputum by Polymerase Chain Reaction and Zieh– Neelsen Stain

Safa Alturafi Gasmallah, Mohammed Nafi, Mustafa Etegani

Abstract :

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) is a major public health threat, annually affecting new individuals worldwide, especially those in developing countries. Rapid, sensitive and specific technique for detection of the agent and effective treatment are two important factors in controlling this disease. Aim: The current study aimed to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of direct and concentrated Zieh–Neelsen (ZN) stain in respect to Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) technique in the direct detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis from clinical specimens Methodology: This was a descriptive cross sectional study done on patients suspected of having tuberculosis attending Al–Shab Teaching Hospital; Khartoum–Sudan during October 2013. A total of 50 sputum specimens were examined by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and Zieh–Neelsen (ZN) Stain. The Results: Mycobacterium tuberculosis was detected in 9 (18%) by direct smear ZN stain, 20 (40%) by concentrated ZN stain and 27 (54%) by PCR. The sensitivity and specificity of direct ZN smear in respect to PCR were 26% and 91% respectively; while the sensitivity and specificity of concentrated ZN smear in respect to PCR were 52% and 74%, respectively. Conclusion: Although the high specificity of ZN smear, but it lacks the sensitivity. PCR is very useful for rapid detection of M. tuberculosis infections.

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Article: Download PDF   DOI : 10.36106/ijar  

Cite This Article:

Safa Alturafi Gasmallah, Mohammed Nafi, Mustafa Etegani Direct Detection of Mycobacterium Tuberculosis in Sputum by Polymerase Chain Reaction and Zieh-Neelsen Stain Indian Journal of Applied Research, Vol.4, Issue.7 July 2014


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