Recoverability of A.F.B, From Resected Pulmonary Tuberculous Lesi0ns

Abstract

The recoverability of A.F.B. by smear and/or culture of resected tuberculosis Pulmonary lesions was evaluated in a series of 87 patients. (1) The incidence of recoverability of A.F.B by smear was 89.5% and by culture 47.1%. (2) The incidence of recoverability of A.F.B. was higher in cavitary lesions than in non-cavitary lesions. (3) The incidence of recoverability of A.F.B. by culture of the resected cavitary lesions decreased with increase of the duration of preoperative durg therapy up to 5 to 6 months. Prolongation of the duration of preoperative drug therapy beyond this point resulted in an increased incidence of culturability of A.F.B. from resected specimens. The incidence of recoverability of A.F.B. in cavitary lesions by smear was 84.25% and by culture was 50.00% at the point of 7~12 months chemotherapy. (4) When the cavity was large(more than 2 cm. in diameter), the recoverability of A.F.B. by smear and culture was increased a little bit.