Course of action taken by smear negative chest symptomatics: a report from a rural area in south India.
Thomas, A.; Gopi, P.G.; Santha T.; Jaggarajamma K.; Nirupa C.; Prabhakaran, E.; Narayanan, P.R.
Indian Journal of Tuberculosis; 2006; 53; 4-6 .
Summary: Objective : To evaluate adherence to diagnostic algorithm of Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme (RNTCP) and course of action taken by smear-negative chest symptomatics (CSs).
Method : Interviewing smear-negative chest symptomatics.
Results : Of the 423 smear-negative CSs interviewed, 85 (20%) were not prescribed antibiotics and only 133 (39%) received it for more than seven days. Of the 148 patients with persistence of symptoms, 83 (56%) returned for further investigations and only 39% were X-rayed. Main reasons for not returning were: ‘not aware' or ‘consulted another health provider.'
Conclusion : Strict adherence to diagnostic algorithm and proper counselling of patients are important for diagnosing smear-negative pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) cases.
Keywords : Tuberculosis, diagnostic algorithm, smear negative
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