title: PCR for M. tuberculosis in tissue samples.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The presence of granuloma, visualized in histopathology for diagnosing tuberculosis in tissue samples, is not a specific finding. Moreover, histopathological examination of tissue sections needs one to two weeks for final reporting. A rapid and sensitive method is therefore needed for detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in these paucibacillary tissue samples.
  
  
  METHODS
  A PCR-assay specific for IS6110 was evaluated for 104 different tissue samples in comparison to histopathology that was considered gold standard.
  
  
  RESULTS
  PCR showed 74.1% sensitivity and 96.1% specificity. False positive and false negative results were observed in three (2.88%) and seven (6.73%) samples, respectively. Positive agreement between histopathology and PCR was observed as 0.737, indicating substantial good agreement between two tests.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  PCR can be used for early diagnosis of tuberculosis in tissue samples that can help to initiate timely anti-tubercular treatment and prevent progression to irreversible changes.
authors.affiliation: Department of Microbiology and Pathology, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, Karnataka, India. arunkiranchawla@yahoo.com
authors.forename: Kiran
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Chawla
authors.forename: Soham
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Gupta
authors.forename: Chiranjay
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Mukhopadhyay
authors.forename: P Sugandhi
authors.initials: PS
authors.lastname: Rao
authors.forename: Sudha S
authors.initials: SS
authors.lastname: Bhat
mesh_terms: D004251:DNA Transposable Elements / Q000235:genetics; D004269:DNA, Bacterial / Q000235:genetics; D042241:Early Diagnosis; D005189:False Positive Reactions; D006099:Granuloma / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000382:microbiology*; D006801:Humans; D009169:Mycobacterium tuberculosis / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction / Q000379:methods*; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D014376:Tuberculosis / Q000175:diagnosis*
chemical_list: D004251:DNA Transposable Elements; D004269:DNA, Bacterial