Abstract: Objective To evaluate the value of PCR to pleural biopsy specimen in the diagnosis of tuberculous pleuritis.Methods PCR technique was used to detect M.tuberculosis DNA in pleural biopsy specimen of 65 cases.The results were compared with that of pleural liquid PCR and pleural pathological examination respectively.Results The positive rate was 83.1%by pleural biopsy specimen PCR,63.1% by pleural liquid PCR and 60.0%by pleural pathological examination respectively.This method was more sensitive than the two others.Conclusion PCR detection of pleural biopsy specimen had greater diagnostic value in tuberculous pleuritis.

Key words: Tuberculosis, pleural, Polymerase chain reaction, Histological technique