Abstract
Objective: To see the frequency and to compare the
sensitivity, specificity and negative predictive values
of Acid Fast Bacilli by Ziehl Neelsen and Auramine
Flourescent microscopy in pulmonary tuberculosis.
Methodology: This descriptive cross sectional study
was done at Pathology Department, Khalifa Gul
Nawaz Teaching Hospital, Bannu, KPK, Pakistan from
January 2012 to December 2013. A total of 1000
sputum specimen were selected by non-probability
random sampling technique. Gene Xpert was ready for
analysis of the sample. Result after two hours was
plotted as 1-Positive/negative for Acid Fast Bacilli.
2-Rifampicin sensitive/resistant. All specimens were
subjected to both Ziehl Neelsen staining as well as
Flourescent staining with Auramine to see their
comparative positive yield. Chi Square test was used
to compare yield of Ziehl Neelsen stain and Auramine
fluorescent stain.
Results: All Gene Xpert positive cases were positive
on Flourescent Microscopy as well as Zieh Neelsen
Technique and all F.M. positive cases were positive by
Z.N. technique (p < 0.05).
Conclusion: Flourescent Microscopy of
Mycobacterium TB has better yield as compared to
conventional Ziehl Neelsen microscopy keeping Gene
Xpert as gold standard for mycobacterial diagnosis.
Keywords: Sputum AFB, pulmonary tuberculosis,
gene xpert, flourescent microscopy, Ziehl Neelsen
stain.
