[Evaluation of Amplicor MTB PCR assay for the detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in specimens by means of negative direct microscopic examination]. / Evaluation du test PCR Amplicor MTB pour la détection de Mycobacterium tuberculosis dans des prélèvements à examen microscopique direct négatif.

The reliability of the Roche Amplicor Mycobacterium tuberculosis test (Amplicor MTB) was evaluated by testing smear-negative specimens from patients with clinical and radiological characteristics of tuberculosis. A total of 364 clinical samples including biopsies and fluids from 153 patients was tested using the Amplicor MTB and the results were compared with those of culture. After discrepancy resolution and patients chart review, sensibility, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value were 44.7%, 99.7%, 94.4% and 93.9% respectively. Our study indicates that Amplicor MTB, despite its low sensibility and for its high specificity can bring a valuable complement for improving the laboratory diagnosis of tuberculosis.

Traditional methods still widely used.

PIP: Although Moroccan law allows abortion only if a woman's life is endangered, illegal abortion--often performed by traditional midwives using dangerous methods--is widespread. In a 1984 survey of 125 married women, 49 reported at least 1 abortion and 19 of these women had not consulted with their husband about this decision. 23 of these abortions were performed by traditional midwives. Many abortion seekers are unmarried women who face ostracism from Moroccan society should they carry a pregnancy to term. The ban on abortion has produced a network of physicians who will perform clandestine abortions in private clinics or their own surgeries. The cost range is US$95-175, placing it out of the reach of low-income women. Needed is access to effective contraception and safe abortion services. However, such measures will require Islam leaders to accept that growing numbers of Moroccan youth are engaging in premarital sex and abandon their stance that all abortion seekers are sexually promiscuous unmarried women.^ieng