Molecular detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in tissues showing granulomatous inflammation without demonstrable acid-fast bacilli.

Early diagnosis of tuberculosis (TB) is important for early medical intervention and prevention of spread of the bacteria. It is not uncommon to observe granulomatous inflammation but without demonstrable acid-fast bacilli (AFB) on Ziehl-Neelsen (ZN) staining in tissues sent for histologic examinati