OVERVIEW
WHAT IS AFB CULTURE TISSUE BIOPSY FOR MYCOBACTERIUM TUBERCULOSIS?
The acid-fast Bacilli culture test is one of the TB culture and sensitivity tests where the Mycobacterial infection is diagnosed on a semen sample. Tuberculosis is a lung infection caused by Mycobacterium Tuberculosis. Mycobacterium is called acid- fast bacilli because after an acid wash the bacteria retain the color of the stain. They can then be seen under the microscope.
During a bacterial culture test, an examination is done by growing the bacteria on different substances. The sample is obtained from sputum, blood, semen, urine, or other parts of the body.
- How is the test performed?
The test is performed on a semen sample.
- Is there any risk associated with this test?
No risk is associated with the test.
- What is the difference between tuberculosis and pneumonia?
Tuberculosis is a contagious bacterial disease while pneumonia is not contagious.
- What are the signs and symptoms of active tuberculosis?
Signs and symptoms of active tuberculosis include
- Coughing that lasts 3 or more weeks
- Cough with blood
- Chest pain
- Pain with breathing or coughing
WHAT DOES THE TEST MEASURES?
AFB cultures help in the diagnosis of active Mycobacterium tuberculosis infections as well as infections due to nontuberculous mycobacteria (bacteria found in soils and water. AFB culture is more sensitive than an AFB smear, positive results may take days to several weeks, while negative culture results (no mycobacterial growth) can take up to 6 to 8 weeks to confirm.
The AFB culture test is reported between 3-8 weeks.
INTERPRETATION OF THE RESULT:
- A negative result before any treatment means that the person tested does not have an active AFB infection or that mycobacteria were not present in that sample.
- A negative result several weeks after the treatment indicates that the TB infection is responding to the treatment, and the person is no longer infectious.
- A positive AFB culture confirms the presence of Mycobacterium Tuberculosis
- A Positive result several weeks after the treatment indicates that the treatment the regimen is not effective and needs to be changed.
