Clinical Microbiology: Open Access

Tuberculosis a diagnostic dilemma: Experience in a developing endemic country

3^rd International Conference on Clinical Microbiology & Microbial Genomics

September 24-26, 2014 Valencia Convention Centre, Spain

Aamer Ikram

Accepted Abstracts: Clin Microbial

Abstract:

Tuberculosis remains one the leading killers among the infectious diseases. According to the WHO estimates, one-third of the world?s population remains infected with the silent killer; Mycobacterium tuberculosis. One in ten latent infections progresses to active tuberculosis. 95% of infections occur in the developing countries where diagnostic and treatment facilities are scarce. Pakistan ranks fifth among the high tuberculosis burden countries with incidence rate of 181/100,000 and prevalence 359/100,000 population. Poverty, dislodgment, overcrowding and lack of awareness add greatly to the burden as three-fourths of victims remain undiagnosed. The emerging threat of multidrug resistant tuberculosis and extensively drug resistant tuberculosis is compounding the problem; hindering TB control measures and further challenging the developing nations. Worldwide, around 400,000 cases of MDR TB are detected annually with mortality rates between 50-80%. The mortality occurs within 14-16 weeks of diagnosis. Prevalence of MDR primary cases is 1.3% and 13% in previously treated cases. Studies have indicated MDR-TB frequency around 30% in our country. We have conducted a number of studies concentrating on techniques affordable for developing countries including direct microscopy of sputum for AFB; Mantoux test; role of Quantiferon TB Gold for endemic country; recovery rate of MTB through BACTEC MGIT 960; first and second line anti-TB drug testing; thin layer agar (TLA) experience; fine needle aspiration sample for comparing cytology and polymerase chain reaction in cases of extrapulmonary tuberculosis. The valuable experience over the years with these modalities will be shared.

Biography :

Aamer Ikram graduated from Army Medical College (1987); qualified Diploma Pathology (1990), MCPS Clinical Pathology (1991); Fellowship Clinical Microbiology (1998); Diploma OSHE; Diploma in Disaster Management; infection control training UK (2005); Registered Biosafety Professional (ABSA); certificate in Emerging Infectious Diseases University of Iowa (2010); Dual-use Biosecurity course Bradford University; Biosafety Professional (UK); currently PhD is in final phase. He is Consultant & Professor at Armed Forces Institute of Pathology, Pakistan. He is Chief Editor of Infectious Diseases Journal Pakistan, among the editorial board of reputed journals; with more than hundred publications. He is recipient of IFBA?s Biosafety Heroes Award.