Analysis of Diagnostic Methods and Their Sensitivity Test for Mycobacterium Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the major causes of death in the world which is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The rate of mortality is high if it is conjugated with HIV. The multiple drug resistant strains make it difficult to diagnose and treat the disease. It can be easily spread around the world so there is a need to evolve new diagnostic methods that are rapid, cost effective and easy to use. Many methods have been used since years for diagnosis of disease. Some of the conventional methods are smear microscopy, chest radiography, cultivation of mycobacterium. But, in recent years many new molecular and advanced techniques have been used that are more specific and sensitive. These techniques are less time consuming and gives very few false positive results thereby, making diagnosis cost effective. In this article, some of the conventional and new advanced molecular diagnosis methods have been reviewed and there sensitivity and specificity has been taken into consideration.