Predictors of smear-negative pulmonary tuberculosis in HIV-infected patients, Battambang, Cambodia.

TL;DRAbstract

While age and symptoms are useful both in screening smear-negative PTB suspects and in predicting smear-negative PTB cases, they have limited PPV. Given the limitations of smear microscopy, culture is required to diagnose smear-negative disease. Where culture is unavailable, CXR is an important adjunct for diagnosis. However, inaccurate CXR interpretation can impact case detection.

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