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Table 3 Cyto-morphological patterns in AFB positivity (concentrated and direct smears) compared with PCR and culture positivity

From: Concentration of fine needle aspirates similar to molecular method improves sensitivity of the diagnosis of tuberculous lymphadenitis in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Cytological patterns

Cases % (n/N)

Direct ZN

positive % (n/N)

Concentrated ZN

positive % (n/N)

Direct PCR

positive % (n/N)

Culture

positive % (n/N)

Epithelioid cell with necrosis

42 (56/132)

44.6 (25/56)

73.2 (41/56)

77.0 (42/56)

62.5 (35/56)

Epithelioid cell without necrosis

31.8 (42/132)

9.5 (4/42)

61.9 (26/42)

69.0 (29/42)

66.7 (28/42)

Necrosis without epithelioid cell

14.4 (19/132)

31.6 (6/19)

52.6 (10/19)

63.2 (12/19)

57.9 (11/19)

Polymorphs with necrosis

11.4 (15/132)

20.0 (3/15)

33.3 (5/15)

33.3 (5/15)

66.6 (10/15)