The optimal number of gastric aspirates to diagnose tuberculosis is unclear. Thirty-two of 280 (11%) children in whom gastric aspirates were obtained grew Mycobacterium tuberculosis. First, second, and third specimens yielded initial culture positivity in 24 of 32, 6 of 32, and 2 of 24 cases, respectively. Intermittent positivity and paucibacillary disease necessitate obtaining multiple specimens.
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Cruz et al. (2012) studied this question.
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