CBNAAT: An Emerging Xpert in Diagnosis of Head and Neck Tuberculosis

To compare FNAC, microscopy (ZN staining), histopathology and CBNAAT for diagnosis of head and neck tuberculosis, and to evaluate efficacy of CBNAAT in early diagnosis of tuberculosis in head and neck region.

This prospective study was carried out in the department of otorhinolaryngology, JLN Medical College and attached hospital, Ajmer from August 2020 to September 2022. Thorough history and clinical examination of all patients presented with neck swelling was done. All relevant investigations including chest x-ray, mantoux test, ESR, FNAC, ZN staining, CBNAAT and histopathology were done and their efficacy was compared.

Sensitivity and specificity of CBNAAT in detecting extra pulmonary tuberculosis was 85.19% and 91.30% respectively, and diagnostic accuracy was consistent with findings of FNAC and ZN staining (p < 0.001) for diagnosis of cervical lymphadenopathy.

CBNAAT has a promising role in early diagnosis of head and neck tuberculosis as well as other cases of smear negative tuberculosis such as MDR TB and TB-HIV and is optimal for the diagnosis of lymph node tuberculosis and helps in early identification and initiation of treatment. Sensitivity of CBNAAT scored twice as high in comparison with microscopy thus doubling the proportion of rapid diagnoses with important effect on the patient’s outcome.