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Performance of three LED-based fluorescence microscopy systems for detection of tuberculosis in Uganda.

Authors :
Albert H
Manabe Y
Lukyamuzi G
Ademun P
Mukkada S
Nyesiga B
Joloba M
Paramasivan CN
Perkins MD
Source :
PloS one [PLoS One] 2010 Dec 28; Vol. 5 (12), pp. e15206. Date of Electronic Publication: 2010 Dec 28.
Publication Year :
2010

Abstract

Background: Direct smear microscopy using Ziehl-Neelsen (ZN) staining is the mainstay of tuberculosis (TB) diagnosis in most high burden countries, but is limited by low sensitivity in routine practice, particularly in high human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevalence settings.<br />Methods: We compared the performance of three commercial light emitting diode (LED)-based microscopy systems (Primostar™ iLED, Lumin™ and AFTER®) for fluorescent detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis with ZN microscopy on slides prepared from sputum of TB suspects. Examination time for LED-based fluorescent microscopy (LED FM) and ZN slides was also compared, and a qualitative user appraisal of the LED FM systems was carried out.<br />Results: LED FM was between 5.6 and 9.4% more sensitive than ZN microscopy, although the difference was not statistically significant. There was no significant difference in the sensitivity or specificity of the three LED FM systems, although the specificity of Fraen AFTER was somewhat lower than the other LED FM methods. Examination time for LED FM was 2 and 4 times less than for ZN microscopy. LED FM was highly acceptable to Ugandan technologists, although differences in operational performance of the three systems were reported.<br />Conclusions: LED FM compares favourably with ZN microscopy, with equivalent specificity and a modest increase in sensitivity. Screening of slides was substantially quicker using LED FM than ZN, and LED FM was rated highly by laboratory technologists. Available commercial systems have different operational characteristics which should be considered prior to programmatic implementation.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
1932-6203
Volume :
5
Issue :
12
Database :
MEDLINE
Journal :
PloS one
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
21203398
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0015206