Mantoux and Tine tuberculin tests compared in Kuwait

Mantoux and Tine tests were performed on 260 patients with an overall agreement between the 2 tests of 96%. On clinical evaluation, 17% of those expected to be positive reactors were found to be negative to both tests, and 8% were positive in those expected to be negative. The Tine test produced comparable results with the Mantoux test, and is suitable for clinical tuberculin testing purposes. Although both tests were sensitive but not highly specific, tuberculin testing is still wanted in our area, perhaps not in diagnosing pulmonary tuberculosis, but in the investigation of lymphadenopathy where positive reactions make non-tuberculous origin unlikely.