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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Why The Culture Conversion Test Not Done While On TB Treatment?

My wife is on TB tratment since December 2008. She was resistance to INH and was given full MDR treatment. There has'nt been a culture conversion since then.The the smear reuslts are negative. We are still awaiting the sensitivity results from the National Lab. Why is'nt there a culture conversion. Mdu. South Africa

Thu, 14 Sep 2017
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Pulmonologist,  's  Response
Thanks for your question on Healthcare Magic.
I can understand your concern.
In MDR patients, Culture conversion is usually seen after 5-6 months of treatment.
Failure of culture conversion is mostly seen with XDR TB (extremely drug resistance TB) or atypical mycobacterium infection.
So better to send sputum for XDR TB diagnosis. Also send separate culture for atypical mycobacterium infection.
Treatment for both, XDR TB and atypical mycobacterium infection are different.
Hope I have solved your query. I will be happy to help you further. Wishing good health to your wife. Thanks.
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Why The Culture Conversion Test Not Done While On TB Treatment?

Thanks for your question on Healthcare Magic. I can understand your concern. In MDR patients, Culture conversion is usually seen after 5-6 months of treatment. Failure of culture conversion is mostly seen with XDR TB (extremely drug resistance TB) or atypical mycobacterium infection. So better to send sputum for XDR TB diagnosis. Also send separate culture for atypical mycobacterium infection. Treatment for both, XDR TB and atypical mycobacterium infection are different. Hope I have solved your query. I will be happy to help you further. Wishing good health to your wife. Thanks.