Estudo comparativo entre técnicas de Löwenstein-Jensen e do sistema MB/BacTTM no isolamento de micobactérias

Among the strategies to combat the tuberculosis, the precocious diagnosis stands out as one of the most important pillars for disease control, because it allows the attention and beginning of the treatment, and as a consequence it minimizes the transmission risks and spreading of disease. With the objective in evaluating the performance of the automated MB/BacT TM system and the conventional method with cultivation in Lowenstein - Jensen (LJ) medium for mycobacteria isolation from pulmonary specimens, clinical samples from patients with presumed symptoms of pulmonary tuberculosis and/or mycobacterioses have been studied. Of 1,317 samples . 327 (24.8%) presented positive culture results on automated MB/BacT TM system , while culture on LJ medium detected 257 (19,5%) positive samples. Sensitivity and specificity of automated system was 98% and 99%, respectively. Comparing both techniques, the automated system presented culture positivity in shorter period of time and a lower contamination rate was observed. These characteristics of automated system allow a fast and effective intervention for treatment, representing benefits for the patients and for the Tuberculosis Control Program.