Can sputum collection practices for tuberculosis improve laboratory diagnosis of pneumonic plague in developing countries?

Abstract

Africa reports 90% of human plague cases yet no guidelines currently exist for the safe and accurate collection of sputum from patients with suspected pneumonic plague. Using existing tuberculosis guidelines as a model and in conjunction with epidemiological and clinical features of pneumonic plague, the authors describe the importance of formal guidelines to enhance sputum collection practices and improve safety in developing countries. A model for suggested guidelines is given.