Use of mycobacterium culture in confirming diagnosis of tuberculosis in smear negative pulmonary tuberculosis suspects registered in dots implemented setting at Lahore

ABSTRACT

Objective: early diagnosis of disease and prompt initiation of treatment is essential for an effective tuberculosis control programme. There is concern that smear negative pulmonary tuberculosis may be over-diagnosed and treated in overburdened and resource poor countries. This study was conducted to determine what proportion of patients being registered for smear negative pulmonary tuberculosis treatment has microbiologically confirmed tuberculosis