Rapid diagnosis of female genital tuberculosis by MPB64 Polymerase Chain Reaction

Ruchi Singh; Veena Sharma; Bharti Malhotra; Pratibha Sharma; Aradhana Chauhan; Jitendra Tiwari

Volume : VI, Issue : V, May - 2016

Rapid diagnosis of female genital tuberculosis by MPB64 Polymerase Chain Reaction

Ruchi Singh, Veena Sharma, Bharti Malhotra, Pratibha Sharma, Aradhana Chauhan, Jitendra Tiwari

Abstract :

Background: Female Genital Tuberculosis (FGTB) is the main cause of infertility in about 5–16% of cases among women in India. However the exact incidence of FGTB remains unknown, as the majority of the cases remain undiagnosed due to asymptomatic presentation and paucity of investigations. Though various options are available for confirming the diagnosis of tuberculosis (TB), conventional techniques lack the sensitivity and are often time consuming. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) based molecular methods are rapid and sensitive in diagnosing TB infection. Aims and Objectives: We aimed to use MPB64 PCR for detection of female genital TB and to compare the results with conventional methods. Materials and Methods: 50 endometrium biopsy samples from suspected cases of FGTB from June 2012 to August 2012 were processed by modified petroff’s method. The deposit was used for detection of mycobacteria by Acid Fast Bacilli (AFB) smear, AFB culture on solid and liquid media and MPB64 based PCR. Results of PCR were compared with those of conventional methods. Results: Out of 50 samples received, a total of 36% (18/50) were positive by either of the methods used. Overall positivity by AFB smear microscopy was 2% (1/50) and 10% (5/50) by Middle ook–7H9 (MB7H9) liquid culture, 8% (4/50) by Lowenstein–Jensen (LJ) solid culture and 24% (12/50) by MPB64 based PCR. Conclusion: PCR is very rapid and sensitive technique for the diagnosis of genital tuberculosis. Due to the short turnaround time of PCR, it has utility in providing the results in clinically relevant time and thus helps to initiate the treatment timely.