ABSTRACT
Background: Diagnosis of extrapulmonary tuberculosis is difficult. Tuberculous lymphadenitis is one of the most common extrapulmonary manifestation of tuberculosis.1 Cervical group of lymph nodes are commonly involved.2 Fine needle aspiration cytology can be used easily, safely for specimen collection of these cases. The cytology samples can be used for CBNAATX-pert assay for rapid diagnosis of tuberculous lymphadenitis along with fluoroscence microscopy. The aim of the present study was to evaluate proportion of tuberculous lymphadenitis from FNAC specimens of all lymphadenopathy cases, to study diagnostic utility of CBNAATX-pert MTB for diagnosis of tuberculous lymphadenopathy in patients with lymphadenitis and to correlate cytological findings with CBNAATand fluorescence microscopy results.Methods:The present study was included 45 cases of lymphadenopathy. Detailed history and physical examination was done followed by FNAC . Multiple smears were prepared from each aspirate for routine cytological examination and for evaluation by fluroscence microscopy. The cytology findings were correlated with CBNAATand fluoroscence microscopy results.Results:In the present study female preponderence was noted. Maximum number of cases were in 3rd decade. Tuberculous lymphadenitis was the most common cytological diagnosis found in 51.1 % cases, of which 33.3% were positive on CBNAATand 20% cases were positive by fluorescence microscopy.Conclusion:The most common cause of cervical lymphadenopathy is tuberculosis. The present study supports combined use of FNAC and CBNAATfor early diagnosis of tuberculosis.