Objectives: To know the role of Mantoux test in detecting tuberculosis in tuberculosis suspects attending to MIMS General Hospital, Nellimarla, Vizianagaram.Methods: A total of 445 tuberculosis suspects between the age group 2 year to 70 year from rural area after taking written consent were included in the present study for a period of 1 year from April 2012 to March 2013.Inclusion criteria were smear negative __ampersandsignamp; Chest X ray negative cases. Exclusion criteria were HIV infection __ampersandsignamp; other immunosuppressive conditions. Mantoux test was done by injecting 0.1 ml of 5 TU PPD (Span) intradermally into the volar aspect of left forearm. The skin area free of lesions and away from veins was chosen. The injection was made by 1/4th to 1/2 inch 27 gauge needle and a tuberculin syringe so that an elevation of 6-10 mm was produced. Tests were read between 48-72 hrs after injection. The diameter of the indurations was measured transversely along the long axis of forearm. Results: Out of 445 cases, 295 cases were positive (66.3%) having indurations of more than or equal to 10 mm. It was positive in 88.23 % in children in 2-5 years age, 78% in females and 60% in males. Conclusion: In the present study Mantoux test was positive in 66.3% of sputum smear __ampersandsignamp; chest X ray negative tuberculosis suspects in comparison to 30-40% in general population of India. So it has a role in detecting extra 26% of infection with M. tuberculosis in this group.