Diagnosis of tuberculosis: a consensus statement from the Brazilian Thoracic Association

Abstract

Early, accurate diagnosis of tuberculosis is one of the major pillars of the control of the disease. The purpose of this consensus statement is to provide health professionals with the most current, useful evidence for the diagnosis of tuberculosis in Brazil. To that end, the Tuberculosis Committee of the Brazilian Thoracic Association brought together 14 members of the Association with recognized expertise in tuberculosis in Brazil to compose the statement. A nonsystematic review of the following topics was carried out: clinical diagnosis, bacteriological diagnosis, radiological diagnosis, histopathological diagnosis, diagnosis of tuberculosis in children, and diagnosis of latent tuberculosis infection.

Clinical Features, Biochemical Parameters, and Treatment Adherence of Individuals Who Started the Treatment for Active Pulmonary Tuberculosis during the Pandemic Period

“…Firstly, it was observed that most patients started the treatment based on clinical symptoms and radiological diagnosis. This conduct is in accordance with the recommendations of the Brazilian Thoracic Association, given the context of limited resources, and the benefits of early diagnosis for treatment efficiency and the reduction of the transmission [18,23,24]. Chest radiography is a method of significant importance as it is easy to perform, accessible, inexpensive, and safe (using a low dose of radiation).…”

“…It should be requested for all patients with clinical suspicion of pulmonary TB [25]. Despite its low specificity, chest radiography is extremely valuable for physical examination, as it can detect multiple clinical changes and exclude associated lung disease [18]. On the other hand, chest computed tomography (CT) is more sensitive and specific than radiography in detecting early clinical changes, being able to distinguish active lesions from residual lesions in most cases.…”

“…On the other hand, chest computed tomography (CT) is more sensitive and specific than radiography in detecting early clinical changes, being able to distinguish active lesions from residual lesions in most cases. This method accurately assesses the duration of the disease and determines a diagnostic pattern based on the main changes observed [18].…”

“…The inclusion criteria for the case group were adult patients (>18 years) diagnosed with active pulmonary TB (individuals with characteristic symptoms, suggestive radiography, positive sputum smear microscopy, culture and/or Xpert MTB/RIF assay) following the consensus statement from the Brazilian Thoracic Association [18]. The exclusion criteria were use of immunosuppressant drugs, co-infection with HIV, pregnancy, TB relapses, extrapulmonary TB.…”

Tuberculose Pulmonar: Tratamento Farmacológico E a Contribuição Do Profissional Farmacêutico

“…Para otimizar os resultados, são recomendadas duas a três amostras de escarro, com pelo menos uma coleta no início da manhã e um volume ideal de 5-10 mL. A microscopia de fluorescência e centrifugação/sedimentação do escarro pode aumentar a sensibilidade da baciloscopia (SILVA et al, 2021).…”