Abstract

Objective: To see the frequency and to compare the sensitivity, specificity and negative predictive values of Acid Fast Bacilli by Ziehl Neelsen and Auramine Flourescent microscopy in pulmonary tuberculosis.
Methodology: This descriptive cross sectional study was done at Pathology Department, Khalifa Gul Nawaz Teaching Hospital, Bannu, KPK, Pakistan from January 2012 to December 2013. A total of 1000 sputum specimen were selected by non-probability random sampling technique. Gene Xpert was ready for analysis of the sample. Result after two hours was plotted as 1- Positive/negative for Acid Fast Bacilli. 2- Rifampicin sensitive/resistant. All specimens were subjected to both Ziehl Neelsen staining as well as Flourescent staining with Auramine to see their comparative positive yield. Chi Square test was used to compare yield of Ziehl Neelsen stain and Auramine fluorescent stain.
Results: All Gene Xpert positive cases were positive on Flourescent Microscopy as well as Zieh Neelsen Technique and all F.M. positive cases were positive by Z.N. technique (p

Key words: Sputum AFB, pulmonary tuberculosis, Gene Xpert, fluorescent microscopy, Zeil Nelson stain.