| STUDIES |
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| Year : 2003 | Volume
: 69
| Issue : 3 | Page : 214--216 |
Utility of polymerase chain reaction as a diagnostic tool in cutaneous tuberculosis
L Padmavathy1, L Rao2, A Veliath2
1 Division of Dermatology and STD, RMMC&H; RMMC, Annamalai University. Annamalai Nagar - 608 002, Tamil Nadu, India
2 Division of Pathology, RMMC, Annamalai University. Annamalai Nagar-608002. Tamil Nadu, India
Correspondence Address:
L Padmavathy
B3, RSA Complex, Annamalai University, Annamalai Nagar-608002. Tamil Nadu
India
PMID: 17642890
Background: Differentiation of cutaneous tuberculosis from other infective granulomas of the skin is difficult due to paucity of the organisms in tissue biopsies. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a newer technique to identify the DNA of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in the tissues. Aim: We examined the utility of PCR as a tool for rapid diagnosis of cutaneous tuberculosis especially in cases negative by ZN staining and culture. Material and Methods: Twenty five random skin biopsies from patients with various types of cutaneous tuberculosis were subjected to PCR. Results: An overall positivity of 64% was observed, which is comparable to other series. Seventy five percent of lupus vulgaris cases, 62.2% of tuberculosis verrucosa cutis and 50% of scrofuloderma cases showed PCR positivity. Conclusion: Though useful, the cost and the technique involved limit the use of PCR in developing countries like ours.
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