[DNA amplification using PCR in the diagnosis of tuberculosis].
BACKGROUND
To evaluate the DNA amplification technique of M. tuberculosis with PCR in clinical samples.


METHODS
We have studied 57 clinical samples of 49 patients using PCR and culture in conventional media. We evaluate the final diagnosis of tuberculosis depending upon the bacteriologic results of all available samples.


RESULTS
We reached a 58% sensitivity and 100% specificity. In 9 samples with positive PCR the culture was negative. The samples belonged to 9 patients with tuberculosis (4 with active disease and 5 with past microbiological diagnosis). In 32 samples with negative PCR test, the microorganism was isolated in 9 cases.


CONCLUSIONS
More studies are needed before PCR technique could be recommended for widespread use in the diagnosis of tuberculosis. Its long duration, the equipment needed and the false negative results are among its limitations.
Codina
G
G
Servicio de Microbiología y Parasitología, Ciudad Sanitaria de la Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona.
González Fuente
T
T
Martín
N
N
D001826:Body Fluids / Q000382:microbiology; D004269:DNA, Bacterial / Q000032:analysis; D005188:False Negative Reactions; D006801:Humans; D009169:Mycobacterium tuberculosis / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction / Q000295:instrumentation; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D014376:Tuberculosis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000382:microbiology
D004269:DNA, Bacterial