Sputum AFB in tuberculous pleural effusion.

Sir,

I read the recent publication sputum on AFB in tuberculous pleural effusion by Chaudhuri et al.[1] with great interest. Chaudhuri et al. concluded, “Careful and thorough sputum examination in cases of tuberculous pleural effusion may help as a diagnostic tool and it has therapeutic and epidemiological implications”.[1] I accept that the sputum AFB might be an alternative choice, especially for those settings with limited resource, due to low cost. However, there are many concerns. Very low sensitivity of the test is not high and this can result in underdiagnosis.[2] The use of other advanced diagnostic test is required. Recently, Kumar et al. proposed that a combination of pleural fluid with sputum sample and N-PCR improved the diagnosis of pleural tuberculosis.[2]