Mycobacterial antigen in tissues in diagnosis of cutaneous tuberculosis

Padmavathy, L and Lakshmana Rao, L and Ramanathan, -- and Shakila, -- (2005) Mycobacterial antigen in tissues in diagnosis of cutaneous tuberculosis. Indian Journal of Tuberculosis, 52 (1). pp. 31-35. ISSN 0019-5705

Preview

PDF 200529.pdf - Published Version Download (157kB)

Abstract

Background: Cutaneous tuberculosis presents a diagnostic challenge, as it is difficult to demonstrate the causative organism by histopathology and also culture of organisms from skin lesions is a less rewarding and time consuming process. Aim: Present study was undertaken to evaluate the utility of immuno-histochemical staining to demonstrate Mycobacterium tuberculosis antigen in tissue sections. This is based on the finding that the mycobacterial antigen is the last to disappear from the tissues and thus can be used as a marker of mycobacterial infections. Material & Methods: Fifty randomly selected skin biopsy specimens were subjected to routine histopathological examination to corroborate the clinical diagnosis. Immuno-histochemical study was undertaken to demonstrate mycobacterial antigen. Observations: All the tissue sections were negative for AFB, both by Z-N stain and by culture. Mycobacterial antigen was demonstrable in 68% of cases of cutaneous tuberculosis. The highest positivity was recorded in scrofuloderma (89%), followed by Lupus Vulgaris (69%) and Tuberculosis Verrucosa Cutis (47%). Conclusions: Mycobacterial antigen was demonstrable in majority of cases of cutaneous tuberculosis using polyclonal antiserum. However, since cross reactivity was reported in cases of leprosy and also in some fungal infections, this test by itself cannot be considered as diagnostic. The results should be considered along with other findings.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Cutaneous tuberculosis, Mycobacterial antigens, Immuno-histochemical staining
Subjects:	Tuberculosis > Laboratory Research > Pathological
Divisions:	Basic Science Research > Clinical Pathology
Depositing User:	Dr. Rathinasabapati R
Date Deposited:	27 Nov 2013 11:33
Last Modified:	09 Mar 2016 07:11
URI:	http://eprints.nirt.res.in/id/eprint/707

Actions (login required)

View Item