Comparison of Quantiferon-TB Assay with Conventional Methods for Diagnosis of Genitourinary Tuberculosis

Abstract

Genitourinary tuberculosis represents one of the most common forms of extra pulmonary tuberculosis

Variations in clinical, radiological signs, patient history and difficulty in the detection of acid fast bacilli in Z.N stained film and isolation of the bacilli are major obstacles in diagnosis and treatment of genitourinary tuberculosis. The aim of this work is to compare the QuantiFERON-TB Gold [QFT-G] test as a rapid test with the conventional methods for diagnosis of genitourinary tuberculosis. This study was carried out on 64 cases complaining of persistent chronic urinary presentation as: recurrent and irritative voiding symptoms (frequency, urgency, and dysuria), Haematuria, flank pain, hydronephrosis, pyonephrosis, infertility, and renal failure. They clinically suspected to have genitourinary tuberculosis on clinical symptoms, signs, and radiological findings. They include 45 males and 19 females of different age groups selected from In patient and the Attendance of Out patient clinics of AL-Hussein, Bab El sheria, and New Dammietta AL-Azhar University Hospitals in addition to Almatria Institute of Urology during the period from April 2009 to January2012. All cases were undergo full history taken including symptoms and its duration, clinical examination, and radiological investigations.