Comparison and evaluation of diagnostic techniques of mycobacterium tuberculosis in Iraq

Abstract

Objective Diagnostic tests devoted to the rapid, sensitive, and specific identification of the causative agent are key components of successful wellness plans directed at tuberculosis control. This study focusses on rapid and accurate detection of tuberculosis cases among Babylon population.

Methods The sputum samples were collected from 60 patients suspected have suffering from tuberculosis infection, in the Specialized Chest and Respiratory Center, Hilla City and Department of Medical Microbiology, College of Medicine, Babylon University, Hilla-Iraq during the period from February to June 2015. Molecular detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in patients’ sputum samples using real-time PCR, and gene X-pert for suspected TB-infected patients. The clinical signs were recorded for each patient, including night sweating, fever, loss of weight, and history of cough.

Results Gene X-pert MTB/RIF technique, real-time PCR recording the high sensitivity for AFB positive smear (100%) for both, AFB negative smear (66%, and 58%), respectively. AFB sensitivity was (16.6%), and the specificity was (100%) for all in the present study.

Conclusion The comparison between advance technique (Gene X-pert and real-time PCR) and classical technique (AFB) for the diagnosis of MTB, shows that genetic technique is the best with high sensitivity and specificity.