MANTOUX VS CHROMATOGRAPHIC IMMUNO-ASSAY, (CIA):- THE MAIDUGURI EXPERIENCE. A PROSPECTIVE STUDY AT UMTH AND IDH MAIDUGURI, 2011 TO 2015

Dr. T. M. Dabkana*, B. B. Ajayi and Dr. A. M. Bintube

ABSTRACT

Background The diagnosis of active tuberculous infection, both prompt and accurate is essential in the treatment of the disease. We discovered that the two non-invasive methods available to us in Maiduguri have some disparities in the results obtained. We therefore set out to investigate this prospectively over a period of four years. Results obtained confirmed our fears. Methods and Design: All patients that were suspected of having active tuberculous infection were subjected to both tests. The patient paid for the Mantoux test while the researchers paid for the CIA Kits. All results were then compared against other data such as ESR, AFB and X-Ray findings. Results: 152 patients with proven TB infection were enrolled into the study. 139 (91.4%) tested positive by Mantoux while only 19 (12.4%) tested positive with CIA. 13 (8.6%) tested negative with Mantoux while 133 (87.6%) tested negative with CIA. Only in about 6 (4%) cases were tests positive using the two Methods. Summary: The use of CIA in the diagnosis of tuberculous infection, both pulmonary and musculoskeletal should be done with a great caution since it misses a lot of patients with active disease.

Keywords: Mantoux, TB Serology (CIA), Screening, Reliability, Maiduguri Nigeria.