Puligunta Chakradhar, Gadde Bharath, Madduri Veerasekharaiah
BACKGROUND The objective of this study was to assess the efficacy of GeneXpert (CBNAAT) and Fiber Optic Bronchoscopy as diagnostic tools in sputum negative pulmonary tuberculosis suspects. MATERIALS AND METHODS A prospective study was conducted on 55 patients who were pulmonary tuberculosis suspects with sputum smear negative for acid fast bacilli. In all these patients, sputum was sent for GeneXpert test. Fiber optic bronchoscopy was done in all those whose sputum test for GeneXpert was negative, Broncho alveolar lavage (BAL) was collected and sent for Acid fast staining and GeneXpert test. RESULTS A total of 55 patients who were pulmonary tuberculosis suspects with sputum smear negative for AFB staining were evaluated in this study. Out of 55 patients, sputum for GeneXpert test was positive in 14 patients (25.45%), BAL for Acid fast bacilli staining was positive in 3 patients (5.45%) and BAL for GeneXpert was positive in 12 patients (21.81%). All BAL for AFB positives (3) were CBNAAT positives. Rifampicin resistance was detected in 1 patient out of 29 GeneXpert positive patients (3.44%). CONCLUSION Using both Fiber optic Bronchoscopy and GeneXpert MTB/RIF assay (CBNAAT) in sputum AFB negative pulmonary tuberculosis suspects increases the diagnostic confirmation of tuberculosis and also helps in early detection of rifampicin resistance.
