Full formMedical & Health
AFBstands forAcid-Fast Bacillus
Full Form of AFB
What is AFB?
AFB stands for Acid-Fast Bacillus, a type of bacterium that resists decolorization by acids during staining procedures. In India, the term is most commonly associated with the AFB test, a primary diagnostic tool for tuberculosis (TB). This test involves examining sputum or other bodily fluids under a microscope after applying a special stain (Ziehl-Neelsen method) to detect Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the causative agent of TB. India has the highest burden of TB globally, making the AFB test a cornerstone of the Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme (RNTCP) and the current National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP). It is widely used in government hospitals, primary health centres, and diagnostic labs across the country, especially in rural and semi-urban areas. The test is simple, cost-effective, and provides rapid results, though newer molecular methods like CBNAAT are increasingly recommended for confirmation. For medical and nursing exams (AIIMS, NEET PG, ASRB), questions often focus on the staining principle, the morphology of AFB, and its relevance in TB diagnosis. Understanding AFB is essential for healthcare professionals working in India's public health system.
AFB का फुल फॉर्म
अम्ल-प्रतिरोधी बैसिलस
Example
The government hospital advised an AFB smear test for the patient with a persistent cough and fever, as part of the national TB elimination protocol.
AFB — frequently asked questions
What is the full form of AFB?
The full form of AFB is Acid-Fast Bacillus, a group of bacteria that retain stain even after acid-alcohol treatment, commonly used to detect tuberculosis.
How is the AFB test used in India for TB diagnosis?
In India, the AFB smear microscopy test is the primary method for diagnosing pulmonary tuberculosis in public health centres, especially under the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP).
Is AFB test enough to confirm tuberculosis?
While AFB smear is a rapid and cheap screening tool, it has low sensitivity. In India, it is often followed by molecular tests like CBNAAT for confirmation, especially in drug-resistant cases.