study on rapid confirmation of pulmonary tuberculosis in smear-negative acid fast bacilli cases by using fiberoptic bronchoscopy, done through a trans oro pharyngeal spacer

The tuberculosis control program is based on a felt need-oriented basis. The diagnosis is mainly microbiological. However, sputum smear-negative Acid Fast Bacilli [AFB] cases with suspected radiological findings can be problematic in diagnosis. To confirm the diagnosis of tuberculosis early, in smear-negative AFB cases by using a Fiberoptic Bronchoscope. We embarked on Fiberoptic Bronchoscopy [FOB] and Spot Scopy smear Microscopy [SSM[for 533 suspected Pulmonary Tuberculosis [PT] cases [sputum smear negative and radiologically suggestive] from February 2007 to May 2010. FOB was performed using a special device, a Trans Oro Pharyngeal Spacer [TOPS], as a conduit. The yield for positivity for AFB was 341 [64%] out of 533 cases. The specimens collected by using the fiberoptic bronchoscope confirmed the disease in the smear-negative cases. Hence, FOB was recommended in smear-negative cases, to avoid delay in the treatment of tuberculosis