SHM Converge Scientific Abstract ePoster Gallery-Stool Specimens: Non-Invasive Alternative for Diagnosing Tuberculosis in Sputum-Inaccessible Patients

Stool Specimens: Non-Invasive Alternative for Diagnosing Tuberculosis in Sputum-Inaccessible Patients

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This case highlights stool specimens as a useful, non-invasive alternative for diagnosing pulmonary tuberculosis in patients who cannot produce sputum. A 44-year-old man with HIV infection and poor adherence to treatment presented with weight loss and CT findings consistent with miliary disease. He had no respiratory symptoms but showed mild lymphadenopathy, oral thrush, and a suspicious right upper lobe infiltrate on chest X-ray. His initial CD4 count was 290 cells/μL.<br /><br />Because sputum collection was difficult, clinicians considered bronchoscopy but first obtained stool samples for acid-fast bacilli (AFB) smear testing. Stool AFB smears were positive, supporting the diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis along with the imaging findings. Anti-tuberculosis therapy was started. The patient also received atovaquone (Mepron) for Pneumocystis prophylaxis, while initiation of HAART was delayed due to concerns about immune reconstitution syndrome and drug interactions.<br /><br />The report emphasizes that stool testing may be especially valuable in sputum-inaccessible patients, including those with HIV or other conditions that make standard respiratory sampling difficult. While promising, the authors note that stool-based diagnosis still requires further research and validation before broader routine use.

Asset Subtitle

Ulviyya Turabova

Meta Tag

Author List Ahmed Hassan, Claudia Villa Celi, Kateryna Chepenko, Manish Gugnani, Syed Husain, Ulviyya Turabova

Category Clinical Vignettes

Concept Tuberculosis

Concept Stool Specimen

Concept AFB Smear

Concept Sputum Testing

Concept Noninvasive Diagnostic Test

Distinguished Non-Finalist

Presenter Organization Capital Health

Presenting Author Ulviyya Turabova

Track Adult

Keywords

stool specimens

pulmonary tuberculosis

acid-fast bacilli

HIV infection

non-invasive diagnosis

sputum collection

miliary disease

bronchoscopy

anti-tuberculosis therapy

Pneumocystis prophylaxis

Tuberculosis

Stool Specimen

AFB Smear

Sputum Testing

Noninvasive Diagnostic Test