False Positive Bacteriological Reports in Diseases Simulating Pulmonary Tuberculosis

The bacteriological examination of sputum and gastric contents for tubercle bacilli is by far the most important of any specific laboratory finding in cases of questionable pulmonary disease. However, the factors related to the laboratory examination itself may be in question. A positive sputum smear, sputum or gastric culture, or guinea pig inoculation in the presence of either a negative roentgenogram or pulmonary infiltration still requires analysis of the history, the physical examination, and the roentgenogram in addition to the positive bacteriology.