[Detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in the samples of 122 TB patients using polymerase chain reaction technique]

By means of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique, direct smear fluorescence microscopy and bacterial culture, the sputa and purulent secretions of 122 TB patients were examined to detect Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The results were as following, the positive rate of PCR was 56.9% (58/102). The positive rate of direct smear fluorescence microscopy was 23.5% (24/102) and that of bacterial culture was 14.7% (15/102). Our investigation shows that PCR technique is sensitive. The positive rate of PCR is largely consistent with the clinical diagnosis. Compared with bacterial culture, PCR is a time-saving practice. It is a recommendable method in diagnosis of TB.