Effectiveness of Laboratory Methods for the Diagnosis of Pulmonary Tuberculosis in Patients at the Type C Health Center La Maná, 2022–2024
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.70577/ASCE/325.344/2025Keywords:
Sputum smear microscopy; Ogawa Kudoh culture; Specificity; GeneXpert; Sensitivity; Pulmonary tuberculosis.Abstract
Pulmonary tuberculosis is one of the most significant global public health challenges and remains a persistent issue for the Ecuadorian healthcare system due to its high morbidity and mortality. Timely detection is essential to reduce transmission and clinical complications, making the availability of diagnostic tests with adequate accuracy indispensable. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of laboratory methods used for the diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis in patients treated at the Type C Health Center of La Maná from January 2022 to September 2024. An observational, cross-sectional, retrospective study with a quantitative approach was conducted, including 80 patients over 18 years old who presented with respiratory symptoms suggestive of the disease. Based on data collected from institutional records, smear microscopy, culture on Ogawa-Kudoh solid medium (considered the reference standard), and the rapid molecular GeneXpert MTB/RIF assay were compared to assess their sensitivity and specificity. The results showed that GeneXpert achieved the best diagnostic performance, with a sensitivity of 98% and a specificity of 77% (OR = 161), demonstrating a strong diagnostic association. This value significantly surpassed the performance of smear microscopy, which showed a sensitivity of 86% and a specificity of 60% (OR = 9.2). GeneXpert was established as the most accurate and reliable technique for the proper detection of this disease, supporting its prioritized implementation in healthcare facilities to strengthen early diagnosis, effective control, and improved decision-making.
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