Abstract
Objectives: This study performed to evaluate sensitivity of two versus three sputum smears for diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis in patients with HIV co-infection.
Methods: The study was done in National Research Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease, Tehran, Iran. Data of patients with pulmonary tuberculosis and HIV co-infection was gathered from 2006 to 2009. New cases of tuberculosis that their disease diagnosed by positive sputum smear with acid fast staining and confirmed by positive culture in Lowenstein Media were selected. Results of first, second and third sputum were assessed.
Results: Among 133 HIV infected patients with mean age of 40±9.5 and mean CD4 cell count of 82±122 cells/mm3 sensitivity of first, second and third sputum smears for detection of acid fast bacilli was 83.5%, 84.1% and 82% respectively. First or second sputum specimens were positive among 95% of them. Extra diagnostic yield of the third sample was only 5%.
Conclusion: In HIV infected patients who are suspected to pulmonary tuberculosis, two sputum specimens are enough for primary evaluation.
- © 2011 ERS
