Research

Diagnostic yield of fine needle aspiration biopsy in HIV-infected adults with suspected mycobacterial lymphadenitis

R Razack, M Louw, C A Wright

Abstract


Background. Fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) has been shown to be the diagnostic procedure of choice for superficial lymphadenitis in tuberculosis endemic regions.

Methods. We conducted a retrospective laboratory-based study to determine the bacteriological yield of clinically suspected mycobacterial tuberculous lymphadenitis following FNAB in adults, and specifically HIV-positive patients, to determine the need for the introduction of automated nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) such as the Xpert MTB/RIF assay as the initial diagnostic modality.

Results. A diagnostic yield of 80% was achieved, significantly higher in HIV-positive v. HIV-negative patients (84% v. 52%, respectively; p<0.001).

Conclusion. The results justify using automated NAATs such as the Xpert MTB/RIF assay as the initial diagnostic modality to expedite management in HIV-infected patients. 

 


Authors' affiliations

R Razack, Division of Anatomical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, and National Health Laboratory Service, Tygerberg Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa

M Louw, Division of Anatomical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, and National Health Laboratory Service, Tygerberg Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa

C A Wright, Division of Anatomical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, and National Health Laboratory Service, Tygerberg Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa; National Health Laboratory Service, Port Elizabeth, South Africa

Full Text

PDF (138KB)

Keywords

fine needle aspiration biopsy; tuberculosis; HIV; lymphadenopathy; Xpert® MTB/RIF

Cite this article

South African Medical Journal 2014;104(1):27-28. DOI:10.7196/SAMJ.7492

Article History

Date submitted: 2013-09-10
Date published: 2013-11-20

Article Views

Abstract views: 3182
Full text views: 1449

Comments on this article

*Read our policy for posting comments here