Applicability of Roche cobas amplicor PCR for detection of M.tuberculosis in clinical respiratory specimens

The Cohas Amplicor Mycobacterium tuberculosis [CAMTB] assay was evaluated for routine detection and identification of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex [MT-BC]. 80 sputum samples from 80 suspected patients were tested by AFB smear, Lowenstein -Jensen media culture and by CAMTB. 50 patients were sputum AFB smear negative and patients were subjected to bronchoscopy for bronchoalveolar lavage [BAL] samples which were tested by the same methods, and results were compared. The sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV of the CAMTB with sputum samples were 95%, 90%, 90 and 94% respectively

Rapid and direct detection of MRSA in nasal swabs

Screening for colonization with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus [MRSA] is a key aspect of infection control to limit the nosocomial spread of this organism. Current methods for the detection of MRSA in clinical microbiology laboratories, including molecularly based techniques, require a culture step and the isolation of pure colonies with minimum 24 hours until a result is known. In this study we tried the use of a newly issue system Gen X pert MRSA Assay system with a real-time PCR concept to directly detect MRSA in nasal swabs. The results were compared to that of the culture method. The sensitivity and specificity of that system were 88% and 99%

Evaluation of stool antigen rapid test for diagnosis of helicobacter pylori

Helicobacter pylori are a major cause of chronic gastritis associated with peptic ulcer disease, gastric carcinoma and mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue. The Helicobacter pylori stool antigen [HpSA] test is useful for initial diagnosis of H.pylori infection. In this study we tested a rapid card test immuno Card Stat HpSA [Meridian, USA] versus ELIA and endoscopy to evaluate its diagnostic value as an easy, non invasire, rapid method of diagnosis to be used for persons who can not sustain the endoscopy process like children and pregnant women. Satisfactory results of this test were obtained showing the ability of this test to screen and diagnose patients with H.pylori