AFB Culture - Ascitic Fluid (MGIT) Test Cost & Procedure

Acid- Fast- Bacillus Tuberculosis (TB) and other illnesses are caused by a kind of bacteria called Bacillus. Lungs, the brain, the spine, and the kidneys are among the organs TB affects. The doctor's advice, samples from several locations, including blood, urine, and phlegm, were collected for this test to identify leprosy and tuberculosis. The AFB test in ascitic fluid aids in the identification of tuberculous peritonitis (TP).

What are ascites?

Ascites symptoms include things like:

• abdominal bloating from the sides
• abdominal fluid moving sensation

To confirm ascites, an ultrasonography exam could be performed.

Once ascites have been identified, the physician must identify the underlying reason because the prognosis for ascites necessitating hospitalisation drops to about 85% after a year. The ascitic fluid test is one method for determining why fluid has accumulated in a body.

What colour is the fluid in ascites?

Normal ascites fluid is clear and light yellow. Yet, when it is aberrant, it may be turbid, chylous, red, or green.

• Each colour corresponds to a cause.
  • The crimson ascitic fluid implies hemorrhagic pancreatitis, intra-abdominal bleeding, tumour infiltration, or trauma.
  • The colour green denotes intestine perforation and gallbladder rupture.

What are tests for acid-fast bacillus (AFB)?

A particular kind of bacteria called acid-fast bacillus (AFB) is the source of tuberculosis and a few other illnesses. The deadly bacterial infection known as tuberculosis, or TB, mainly attacks the lungs.

• Coughing or sneezing can transmit TB from one person to another.
• Both latent and active TB exist. If you have latent TB, your body will contain the TB bacteria but you won't feel ill and cannot transmit the disease to others.
• AFB tests are typically requested for individuals who exhibit active TB symptoms.

Why does TB peritonitis occur?

Generally speaking, immunodeficiency is linked to tuberculous peritonitis. The most common cause of tuberculous peritonitis is gastrointestinal tract tuberculosis. Whilst it can also happen with bowel, lymph node, or fallopian tube perforation, it is thought to be caused by hematogenous spread.

Why is this examination suggested?

• Due to its paucibacillary nature, abdominal tuberculosis (TB) is difficult to diagnose from ascitic fluid samples using commonly used diagnostic techniques.
• Although the Xpert MTB/RIF assay's performance on pulmonary models has been thoroughly assessed, its performance on extrapulmonary models is still being evaluated.