Newer methods over the conventional diagnostic tests for tuberculous meningitis: do they really help?
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 25, 2026

Synthesis, Characterization, and Application of Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide Nanoprobes for Extrapulmonary Tuberculosis Detection
Published on: February 16, 2020
C P Baveja1, Vidyanidhi Gumma, Manisha Jain
1Department of Microbiology, Maulana Azad Medical College, BSZ Marg, Delhi-110002, India. bavejac@indiatimes.com
Abstract:
Rapid diagnosis of tuberculous meningitis (TBM) is crucial as the disease outcome depends on the stage at which the treatment is initiated. The reliability of the available tests has not been established; thus, the present study was conducted to evaluate the conventional diagnostic tests as compared to the newer methods. Cerebrospinal fluid was collected from 100 children, and analyzed for various biochemical and cytological tests. The samples were subjected to Ziehl-Neelsen (Z-N) staining, Lowenstein-Jensen (L-J) culture, BACTEC culture and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Twenty-two patients could be identified as definitive TBM based on the demonstration of Mycobacterium tuberculosis by BACTEC culture and PCR. Of these 22 cases, Z-N staining was positive in only two and L-J culture in six cases. Both the BACTEC culture and PCR had 100% agreement in the diagnosis of TBM. However, BACTEC culture could be a better diagnostic test as drug sensitivity can also be performed by this method.
Related Concept Videos
Pulmonary Tuberculosis IV
Several diagnostic approaches are used to detect TB. The conventional method is the Tuberculin Skin Test (TST), also known as the Mantoux test. However, this method has...
Pulmonary Tuberculosis V
Latent tuberculosis infection occurs when TB bacteria are present in a person's body, but are not causing illness or symptoms. It is not contagious, and preventive treatment is crucial to avoid the progression...
Pneumonia III: Complications and Assessment
Pulmonary Tuberculosis III
The first classification is based on the development of the disease, and it includes the following categories:
Methods of Classification and Identification
Myasthenia Gravis: Diagnostic Tests
The edrophonium test is a diagnostic tool for myasthenia gravis. It involves...
