Utility of polymerase chain reaction as a diagnostic tool in cutaneous tuberculosis.
Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol
;
2003 May-Jun; 69(3): 214-6
Article
in English
| IMSEAR
| ID: sea-51896
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Differentiation of cutaneous tuberculosis from other infective granulomas of the skin is difficult due to paucity of the organisms in tissue biopsies. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a newer technique to identify the DNA of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in the tissues.AIM:
We examined the utility of PCR as a tool for rapid diagnosis of cutaneous tuberculosis especially in cases negative by ZN staining and culture. MATERIAL ANDMETHODS:
Twenty five random skin biopsies from patients with various types of cutaneous tuberculosis were subjected to PCR.RESULTS:
An overall positivity of 64% was observed, which is comparable to other series. Seventy five percent of lupus vulgaris cases, 62.2% of tuberculosis verrucosa cutis and 50% of scrofuloderma cases showed PCR positivity.CONCLUSION:
Though useful, the cost and the technique involved limit the use of PCR in developing countries like ours.
Full text:
Available
Index:
IMSEAR (South-East Asia)
Language:
English
Journal:
Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol
Year:
2003
Type:
Article
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