Abstract

EPTB contributes to a significant burden of mortality and morbidity, due to its complex and sub clinical presentations, leading to a delay in their diagnosis. EPTB has negligible contagious potential and therefore never been prioritised in the campaigns undertaken by National TB Control Programs. Various methods can be used for the detection of EPTB of which microscopy, culture and identification of the organism’s DNA are known. Newer method known is CBNAAT. Present study was proposed to evaluate the effectiveness of CBNAAT in diagnosing EPTB in comparison with cytology. Materials and Methods: The study included 120 samples of lymph node, pus, pleural fluid, ascitic fluid and C.S.F. Samples were collected and subjected to AFB smear, FNAC and CBNAAT simultaneously. Results: Among total 120 cases, EPTB diagnosed by CBNAAT, FNAC, AFB stain were 40, 71 and 18 respectively. Conclusion: CBNAAT is a newer confirmatory test and adds an extra edge of simultaneous drug resistance. Still combining CBNAAT with other tests provide better diagnostic yield even at peripheral places.

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