Comparison between ziehl-neelsen staining and fluorescent staining of sputum samples to detect acid fast bacilli in suspected case of pulmonary tuberculosis at tertiary care hospital, Amreli, Gujarat

Abstract

In India, Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the major community health problems.Pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) is a respiratory disease. Causative organism for this is acid fast bacilli known as . It is the most ordinary disease affecting the lower socio-economic class in developing countries. Microbiological diagnosis is the heart for the effective treatment of pulmonary TB (PTB). The look forrapid and efficient method has resulted in several staining techniques. Objective of the study was to compare the results of ZN stain (RNTCP) with fluorescent stain by use of microscopy.The study was carried out in Microbiology Department, SMCGH, Amreli. 350 sputum samples (Spot and early morning sample) collected from 175 suspected case of the pulmonary tuberculosis. All 350 samples were processed by ZN stain and Fluorescent stain to detect acid fast bacilli. By use of microscope, the results of the stained smears were given according to RNTCP guideline.Out of 350 sputum smears, 52 (14.85%) and 61 (17.4%) were positive by ZN and FM staining respectively. Males are predominantly affected than females. Majority of the patients were in age above 50 years. Early morning samples were more reliable than spot samples for detection of acid fast bacilli for ZN stain, but not for fluorescent stain.Fluorescent staining with LED microscopy was more efficient than ZN staining for detection of acid fast bacilli from sputum smear.