The limitations of polymerase chain reaction in the setting of possible recurrent tuberculosis: 2 instructional cases.
The interpretation of a positive result for Mycobacterium tuberculosis by nucleic acid amplification such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) can be challenging. We present 2 cases that illustrate the limitations of tuberculosis PCR on respiratory secretions in previously treated patients, even years after the previous disease episode.
Victorian Infectious Diseases Service, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Victoria, Australia. thomas.schulz@mh.org.au
Thomas R
TR
Schulz
Alan C
AC
Street
Emma S
ES
McBryde
D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000995:Antitubercular Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001431:Bacteriological Techniques / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009169:Mycobacterium tuberculosis / Q000145:classification* / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction / Q000379:methods*; D012008:Recurrence; D014376:Tuberculosis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology*
D000995:Antitubercular Agents