DOI: 10.36347/sjams.2018.v06i02.061

Pages: 783-787

Globally, India is a home for more than 25% of global Tuberculosis (TB) burden. Tuberculosis (TB) in children is neglected as diagnosis is challenging due to insufficient specimen material, the scarcity of bacilli in specimens and lack of sensitive diagnostic tools. The sensitivity of smear microscopy and its inability to detect drug resistance limits its impact on TB control. Recently Cartridge-based nucleic acid amplification test (CBNAAT) has revolutionized the diagnostic field, but its usefulness in pediatric TB is still under reported from India. A Diagnostic Test Evaluation Study was conducted at a Tertiary Care Pediatric Hospital, Hyderabad, Telangana, India between September 2017 to February 2018. In this study, we compared the CBNAAT results for diagnosis of Pulmonary and Extrapulmonary tuberculosis in pediatric patients with smear microscopy. A total of 1350 samples taken from pediatric cases of pulmonary and extra pulmonary tuberculosis patients were subjected to Ziehl Neelson’s staining and CBNAAT. M.tuberculosis was detected in a total of 28 cases by CBNAAT.CBNAAT in pulmonary samples was positive in 21 (1.69%) cases and in extra pulmonary samples in 7 (6.19%) cases. Smear microscopy was positive in a total of 9 cases(0.66%). In pulmonary samples it was positive in 8 (0.64%) cases and in extra pulmonary samples in 1 (0.88%) case. Confirmatory diagnosis of TB particularly in children is a medical challenge due to technical difficulties, cost and lack of adequate resources. Our study showed that CBNAAT is useful in diagnosing pediatric tuberculosis rapidly and accurately. It is significantly better than smear microscopy.