Comparison Between Two Strategies for the Diagnosis of TB

Comparative Study Between the Classical Strategy and a Faster, Daily Collection for the Diagnosis of Contagious Pulmonary Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis (TB) is a major cause of death among the "communicable" diseases in the world. Pulmonary TB, the main localization, leads to the dissemination of cases. An earlier diagnosis of contagious pulmonary TB is a cornerstone to stop the air transmission. The aim of the study will be to compare two strategies, in patients with a chest-X-ray in favour of contagious pulmonary TB: the classical strategy of sputa collection during three consecutive early mornings, versus the studied strategy of sputa collection at hour h, hour h+1, hour h+2 during the first early morning.

Tuberculosis (TB) is a major cause of death among the "communicable" diseases in the world. Pulmonary TB, the main localization, leads to the dissemination of cases. An earlier diagnosis of contagious pulmonary TB is a cornerstone to stop the air transmission by starting earlier treatment. The aim of the study will be to compare two strategies, in patients with a chest-X-ray in favour of pulmonary TB: the classical strategy of sputa collection during three consecutive early mornings, versus the studied strategy of sputa collection at hour h, hour h+1, hour h+2 during the first early morning.

Inclusion Criteria:

• All adult patients suspected of pulmonary TB (symptoms: lost weight, hemoptysis, chronic cough or fever, or a Chest-X-Ray (CXR) evocative of pulmonary TB)

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients who refused or were unable to give written consent