Role of Sputum Examination for Acid Fast Bacilli in Tuberculous Pleural Effusion
Author Information
Author(s): Chaudhuri Arunabha, Datta Bhuniya Sourin, Pandit Sudipta, Dey Atin, Mukherjee Subhasis, Bhanja Pulakesh
Primary Institution: R. G. Kar Medical College, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
Hypothesis
This study aims to evaluate the role of sputum examination for AFB in patients of tuberculous pleural effusion with no apparent lung parenchymal lesion.
Conclusion
Careful and thorough sputum examination in cases of tuberculous pleural effusion may help as a diagnostic tool and has therapeutic and epidemiological implications.
Supporting Evidence
- Sputum was bacteriologically positive for tuberculosis in 10 out of 30 cases with confirmed tuberculous etiology.
- Overall, sputum was bacteriologically positive in 10 out of 45 cases (22.22%).
- AFB were found in smear of pleural tissue in 16.21% of cases.
Takeaway
Doctors should check the sputum of patients with fluid around the lungs for tuberculosis, even if their lungs look fine on X-rays.
Methodology
A prospective and observational study evaluating sputum examination for AFB in patients with suspected tuberculous pleural effusion.
Limitations
The study did not include patients with HIV, and the sample size was limited to 45 cases.
Participant Demographics
Most participants were aged 21-30 years, with 64.44% male and 35.56% female.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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