Abstract
Introduction: Tuberculous lymphadenitis (TBLN) shows geogrophical variations. In developing countries, Mycobacterium tuberculosis is common pathogen, while in developed countries nontuberculous mycobacteria are common pathogens. Bacteriological studies are necessary to confirm the diagnosis and for proper management.
Aims: To study: 1. Mycobacterial smear and culture positivty rate in histologically proven tuberculous lymph nodes. 2. Cultural characteristics of mycobacteria. 3. Prevalence of multidrug resistant (MDR) and extensively drug resistant (XDR) tuberculosis.
Methods: Lymph node smear for acid-fast bacilli (AFB) was done by Ziehl-Neelsen method, and culture was done by radiometric method (MB/Bact 240 system). Sensitivity tests for antitubercular drugs were performed by conventional method on LJ medium.
Results: During Jan. 2005 to Sept. 2010, mycobacteria were grown on 74 cultures. 72 cultures (97.3%) were positive for Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and only 2 (2.7%) were positive for M. Kansasii. In 89 histopathologically proven patients of TBLN, 56 (62,9%) cultures were positive and AFB smear positive in 21 (23.6%) patients. In 18 culture positive patients, histopathology of lymph nodes was not available. MDR TB was present in 12 (16.2%) cultures. XDR TB was not detected.
Conclusions: 1. Mycobacterium tuberculosis is the common organism in TBLN. 2. In histopathologically proven patients with TBLN, mycobacterial smear and culture positivity rates were 23.6% and 62.9% respectively. 3. MDR TB was present in 16.2% of patients.
References:
1. G. Natraj: Correlation of fine needle aspiration cytology, smear and culture in tuberculous lymphadenitis: a prospective study. J. Postgrad. Med. 2002:48(2):113-116.
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