Polymerase chain reaction in pulmonary tuberculosis

Early diagnosis is one of the most important steps in the management of tuberculosis, so the conventional diagnostic techniques need to be improved. In our study, the diagnostic value of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in active pulmonary tuberculosis was investigated. Methods: We have examined 79 cases (61 patients and 18 healthy subjects) between 20-22 ages. In these cases Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex DNA specific IS6110 field has been investigated by PCR and the results were compared with the microbiological culture. Results: The sensitivity of PCR results were found to be 96.72% and the specificity was 100%. In 59 out of 61 cases with pulmonary tuberculosis, culture and PCR positivity were shown, PCR was negative for 2 of the culture (+) cases. All control cases were negative in terms of bacteriological culture, PCR, and sputum smear for acid fast bacillus (AFB). Conclusion: PCR is a rapid technique with high sensitivity and specificity. However, there is always a risk of contamination with other specimens and the amplification products. PCR is believed to be useful and time saving if we consider the time needed to wait for the results of microbiological culture, which in turn might cause delay in starting the treatment in time, especially in sputum smear negative cases.