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Background: Rapid and specific diagnosis of tubercular meningitis (TBM) is of utmost importance. Aim: To evaluate polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using protein b primers directed against M. tuberculosis for the diagnosis of tuberculous meningitis. Materials and Methods: PCR using protein b primers was performed in ten patients with confirmed TBM (culture positive), 60 patients with clinically suspected TBM and 40 patients with no TBM (control group). Results: Protein b PCR had a sensitivity of 90% and a specificity of 100% in patients with confirmed TBM. In 60 clinically diagnosed TBM patients, protein b PCR was positive in 49 (81.7%) patients. The overall sensitivity of microscopy, culture and PCR using protein b primers was 1.4%, 14.3%, and 82.8% and specificity was 100%, 100%, and 100% respectively. Conclusion: Protein b PCR is valuable in rapid diagnosis of TBM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]