Abstract
We describe the performance of bleach-digested Zeihl-Neelsen (ZN) smears in TB suspects with/without HIV. In total, 51 (26%) and 62 (31%) out of the first 198 spot and digested smears were positive. Seven of the 30 HIV-positive patients had TB and their ZN smears were negative, scanty or 1 +. Six of seven digested smears were scanty. Forty-two of 115 HIV-negative patients had TB. Eleven (26%) of their digested smears were negative, 12 (29%) scanty and 19 (45%) positive. Despite the lower bacilli numbers of HIV-positive patients, the technique had sensitivity and specificity similar to that in HIV-negative patients.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
