STRATEGIES OF INVESTIGATION THROUGH DIAGNOSTIC METHODS OF PULMONARY TUBERCULOSIS

Abstract

This article aimed to discuss and analyze investigation strategies using diagnostic methods for pulmonary tuberculosis within the health care context. This is an integrative and systematic literature review guided by the PRISMA protocol guidelines. Data collection was performed across PubMed/MEDLINE, SciELO, and Scopus databases, utilizing indexed DeCS/MeSH descriptors combined via Boolean operators. Original articles, reviews, and clinical trials published between 2023 and 2026 in Portuguese, English, and Spanish were included. Results demonstrate that the diagnostic triad comprising thorough clinical evaluation of the respiratory symptomatic patient, direct sputum smear microscopy, and the Rapid Molecular Test for Tuberculosis (RMT-TB) is fundamental for early detection of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex and identification of rifampicin-resistant strains. Bacteriological culture remains the indispensable gold standard in paucibacillary cases and for therapeutic monitoring. It is concluded that strengthening the laboratory network and integrating diagnostic tools within the Unified Health System are essential to optimize care flow and interrupt community transmission chains.