Monitoring of bacteriological diagnostic efficiency under RNTCP -- the Pune experience.

The cornerstone of the diagnosis of tuberculosis is the direct microscopic examination of appropriately stained sputum specimens for the identification of Acid Fast Bacilli (AFB). The technique is simple inexpensive and detects infectious cases who are responsible for continued transmission and maintenance of the epidemic in the community. Currently sputum smear microscopy is widely used in Tuberculosis Control Programs worldwide for a presumptive diagnosis of tuberculosis. No other diagnostic tool offers the affordability as well as efficiency in diagnosis of tuberculosis in the public health setup as sputum microscopy does. (excerpt)