Clinical Value of FQ-PCR in the Examination of Sputum Mycobacterium Tuberculosis in the Diagnosis of Pulmonary Tuberculosis

Objective To investigate the clinical value of FQ-PCR in the examination of sputum mycobacterium tuberculosis in the diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis(PTB).Methods A total of 100 sputum samples from PTB patients and 100 sputum samples from non-pulmonary tuberculosis patients were obtained from the infectious department in our hospital from April 2007 to January 2010.All samples were detected by using FQ-PCR,sputum direct smear and Bactec MGIT 960 culture methods for the examination of sputum M.tuberculosis,the results were compared and analyzed.Results In 100 confirmed PTB samples,FQ-PCR showed 55% of positive rate,higher than rapid culture method(43%,P0.05) and(29%,P0.01).With the results of culture method as standard,the sensitivity,specificity,positive and negative predictive values of the FQ-PCR were 97.8%,93.5%,80.0% and 99.3%,respectively.The FQ-PCR results correlated with 94.0%(188/200) of the Bactec MGIT 960 culture assay results.Conclusions FQ-PCR method for examination of sputum M.tuberculosis in the diagnosis of PTB is fast,sensitive,specific and quantitative and easy,with value worthy of clinical application as an effective complement of the M.tuberculosis culture method.