Comparative Study of Z N Staining vs. Flurochrome Staining and Impact of Sample Processing on Diagnosis of Tuberculosis from Various Clinical Samples

Background: Tuberculosis is a highly infectious disease and India has the highest burden with it. Diagnosis of tuberculosis in many countries is still dependent on microscopy. Although its sensitivity is low in comparison to culture and molecular methods, its sensitivity can still be improved by using fluorescence staining method and processing of samples by homogenization and concentration method. Material and methods: Samples were collected from all newly registered suspected cases of tuberculosis in tertiary care hospital from outward and indoor department during a period of one year. Smears were prepared for Ziehl Neelsen stain and fluorescence stain both before and after homogenization and concentration procedure by 4% NAOH2.9% sodium citrate method and results of them were interpreted according to RNTCP criteria for grading of sputum samples. All the samples were cultured in liquid culture MGIT system (Mycobacterial Growth Indicator Tube) and results of microscopy were compared with liquid culture taken as gold standard. Data were analyzed by using SPSS software version 16. Result: 350 samples were collected during study period. Out of 350 samples, 48 samples were positive for M. tuberculosis by MGIT system. In comparison with MGIT system, sensitivity of Z N stain for detection of acid fast bacilli was 77% before decontamination procedure, which was increased up to 85.42% after decontamination and concentration process. Sensitivity of fluroscence stain was 85.42% before processing, which was increased up to 91.67% after processing of samples. Conclusion: Sensitivity of smear microscopy can be enhanced by use of fluroscence microscopy and concentration method.