A Comparative Assessment of Petroff’s and N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine- Sodium Hydroxide Method in the Diagnosis of Pulmonary Tuberculosis

Abstract

Tuberculosis (TB) stays one of the deadliest communicable disease and responsible for almost two million deaths every year worldwide. The objective of the present study is to compare Petroff’s and N-acetyl-L cysteine- sodium hydroxide methods used for the diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis. This present study was conducted in the department of ST John’s Medical college and Hospital, Bangalore, from October 2011 to September 2012. Total 100 sputum specimen was collected from patients under the Revised National Tuberculosis Control Program (RNTCP) Guidelines. These samples were decontaminated with Petroff’s and NALC- NaOH Method and same were processed for L J culturing and incubated at 37˚C. As per result analysis, out of total 100 sputum sample, 64 % smears were positive by petroff’’s methods and 69 % smears were positive by NALC - NAOH methods. The positivity rate was increased by NALC – NAOH method. All samples were cultured on LJ medium for bacterial growth. A maximum number of cultures were positive by NALC – NAOH method (53 %) and Petroff”smethod (51 %). This study concludes that NALC-NaOH method is effective and provides valid and rapid results. This method can be used for routine diagnosis and for better sensitivity of Mycobacterium growth. There is further multicentric research is required in respect of targeting larger population for better effective outcomes. Keywords: Tuberculosis, Petroff’s, NALC- NaOH Method, Sputum, L J Culture