Diagnosis of Pulmonary Tuberculosis in less Sputum Producing or Sputum Smear Negative Cases: A Prospective Study in a Tertiary Care Hospital

Background: To Diagnosis of Pulmonary Tuberculosis in less Sputum Producing or Sputum Smear Negative Cases. Methods: 200 patients were included in this study with either no sputum or inadequate sputum (only saliva or sputum quantity < 2 ml) or whose initial two sputum smear examinations for AFB were negative, were included in the study. Results: Sputum induction was successful in 96% of patients who could produce adequate volume (> 2 ml). 4 males and 4 female patients having dry cough were unable to produce sputum even after induction. Overall, 47% of patients were found positive on smear examination after sputum induction. 68 patients out of 136 (50%), who were having sputum and were negative on routine smear examination, were found positive on induced sputum smear examination. Sputum induction was successful in confirmation of diagnosis in 40.62% (26/64) of patients who were having cough with no/inadequate sputum. Conclusion: This study revealed that this method useful and also enhance the sensitivity for diagnosis of tuberculosis. Background: To Diagnosis of Pulmonary Tuberculosis in less Sputum Producing or Sputum Smear Negative Cases. Methods: 200 patients were included in this study with either no sputum or inadequate sputum (only saliva or sputum quantity < 2 ml) or whose initial two sputum smear examinations for AFB were negative, were included in the study. Results: Sputum induction was successful in 96% of patients who could produce adequate volume (> 2 ml). 4 males and 4 female patients having dry cough were unable to produce sputum even after induction. Overall, 47% of patients were found positive on smear examination after sputum induction. 68 patients out of 136 (50%), who were having sputum and were negative on routine smear examination, were found positive on induced sputum smear examination. Sputum induction was successful in confirmation of diagnosis in 40.62% (26/64) of patients who were having cough with no/inadequate sputum. Conclusion: This study revealed that this method useful and also enhance the sensitivity for diagnosis of tuberculosis.