Ivaluates the diagnostic value of polymerase chain reaction technique of pleural biopsy specimens in diagnosing of tuberculosis in patients presenting with lymphocytic exudative pleural effusions. Patients with lymphocytic pleural effusions were studied prospectively. The pleural fluid and pleural biopsy specimens were examined for acid fast staining, histological examination and tuberculosis culture. We applied PCR technique to detect DNA (IS6110) specific for Mycobacterium tuberculosis in pleural fluid and pleural biopsy specimens. Of 59 patients with lymphocytic pleural effusions, 36 were diagnosed with tuberculous pleuritis, 23 with nontuberculous cause. PCR of pleural biopsy specimens were positive in 27 patients. The sensitivity and specificity of PCR of pleural biopsy specimens were 75% and 100% respectively. PCR of pleural biopsy specimens is a useful diagnostic test for diagnosis of tuberculous pleuritis presenting with lymphocytic exudative pleural effusions.
