Course of action taken by smear negative chestsymptomatics a report from a rural area in south India.
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Date
2006-01
Journal Title
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Abstract
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.
Description
Keywords
Tuberculosis, diagnostic algorithm, smear negative
Citation
Thomas Aleyamma, Gopi P G, Santha T, Jaggarajamma K, Charles Niruparani, Prabhakaran E, Narayanan P R. Course of action taken by smear negative chestsymptomatics a report from a rural area in south India. Indian Journal of Tuberculosis. 2006 Jan; 53(1): 4-6.