Association between the histological diagnosis of tuberculosis and microbiological findings

The aim of this study was to determine the association between the histological diagnosis of tuberculosis and the microbiological findings and to indicate how these results affect treatment. Histopathology and microbiology records were examined retrospectively. 89 cases were identified between 1984 and 1988. 67% were diagnosed as tuberculosis (TB) by both methods, 97% were diagnosed as TB or 'compatible with TB' by histology. For 7% of these the final diagnosis was found to be other than TB. 48% of patients diagnosed as TB on the basis of histology alone were treated for TB. 70% were diagnosed as TB by microbiology and treated. When matched and appropriate specimens were sent to both departments there was a high level of agreement between histopathologists and microbiologists. There was a problem with inappropriate specimens sent to microbiology.