A comparison between fluorescent microscopy and the Ziehl-Neelsen methods for evidencing resistant acid-fast bacilli in pulmonary secretions was drawn. Sensibility and specificity of each one were evaluated according to the results of the sputum culture examination. The fluorescent method showed a variety in sensibility of 7.28% and 3.17% in the studied areas. The differences in specificity were insignificant. There was a positive association between the two methods.
Tuberculosis; Microscopy
