Comparative Evaluation of Gene Xpert and Various Staining Techniques in the Diagnosis of Pulmonary Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis (TB) is an ancient communicable disease caused by <em>Mycobacterium tuberculosis.</em> In India, RNTCP (Revised national tuberculosis control program) now known as NTEP (National tuberculosis elimination program) endorsed diagnostic steps to diagnose TB infection and disease are followed. To study the diagnostic efficacy of GeneXpert in comparison to various staining techniques in patients suspected of pulmonary tuberculosis. 150 sputum samples from patients clinically suspected of pulmonary tuberculosis were processed and subjected to Ziehl-Neelsen staining, Kinyoun Staining and Fluorescent staining. Simultaneously GeneXpert was performed on unprocessed samples. Out of 150 samples, GeneXpert detected 46 (30.67%) cases followed by Fluorescent staining, 44(29.33%), ZN staining 43 (28.67%) cases and Kinyoun staining detected the least i.e. 35(23.33%). Amongst 46 positive cases detected by GeneXpert 7(15.22%) cases were found to be resistant to Rifampicin. Hence it proved the efficacy and sensitivity of GeneXpert over staining methods. Tuberculosis is a global pandemic. Its early diagnosis and timely initiation of treatment is necessary. Therefore, GeneXpert when used in conjunction with microscopy improves detection of tuberculosis and multi drug resistant tuberculosis.