Chest Microfilm Versus Direct Microscopic Sputum Examination in Tuberculosis Control in the Developing Country

Abstract

In comparison to the methods of case-finding presently used in Taiwan—chest microfilm and direct microscopic sputum examination—the former is better in that it is more popular with the general public and its yield is higher and fewer errors are made. However, in the face of economic stringency, lack of personnel or limited resources, the more economical and less idealistic method—the direct microscopic sputum examination—may well be used. As far as the method itself is concerned, it behooves us to believe that the direct smear examination is inferior. In implementing a tuberculosis control program, merely treating a few cases of symptom-motivated cases with positive sputum by direct smear may cause misunderstandings among the populace which will in turn deter our activity.