The clinician, the lab and the patient: Understanding lab diagnostics to eradicate tuberculosis.

BACKGROUND: Diagnostic modalities for diagnosing Tuberculosis caused by Mycobacterium group of organisms include mainly AFB smear by Ziehl Neelsen carbol fuchsin smear microscopy, GeneXpert (CB NAAT) molecular method, Line probe assay (Molecular method) and AFB culture (Liquid automated systems and solid media) methods. METHODS: This study was initiated to understand and prioritize TB lab diagnosis, with reference to selection of lab diagnostic tests and its order of preference for MTC and NTM/MOTT closely associating it with the TB irradication program initiated by the Government of India. RESULT AND CONCLUSION: The results and discussion bring to light the importance of each test and the purpose of their requisition. When diagnosis is handled half heartedly eradication of TB becomes a challenge. All the efforts including planning, resources in the form of manpower, infrastructure, finances, education, time etc., would be hampered. This challenge is not only for India but the globe. For countries harboring TB, Correct diagnostic request and timely diagnosis and treatment is the key to eradication of tuberculosis.

Acquired gastric outlet obstruction during infancy and childhood: a report of five unusual cases.

Infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis is a common, specific, and well-understood entity in the pediatric age group. Prepyloric webs and diaphragms are the other rare causes of gastric outlet obstruction followed by still rarer causes, eg, pyloric stenosis secondary to acid peptic disease. The present report describes a newer, nonspecific, clinical condition of pyloric obstruction in five patients of varying age who responded very well to Henieke-Mikulicz' pyloroplasty. The authors have suggested some modifications in the classification of gastric outlet obstruction in children to include these patients.