Pattern of pulmonary tuberculosis in Benghazi Region, Libya
Rajpurohit, N.; Abbar, M.F.; Gadalla, Y.M.; Obead, A.M.
Saudi Medical Journal 20(12): 923-926
1999
ISSN/ISBN: 0379-5284 PMID: 27644712 Document Number: 508217
Objective: To retrospectively study sputum positive pulmonary tuberculosis seen over 2 years. Methods: All sputum positive pulmonary tuberculosis patients, admitted to Quefia Chest Hospital, a teaching institution attached to Al-Arab Medical University, Benghazi, Libya were studied. Results: The male to female ratio was 5.5:1. New cases constituted 94% of patients with 40% Libyans. Among expatriates, 72% were from Sudan. Eighty-five percent of cases were below 40 years of age while 4% were above 60 years. Major symptoms were cough, sputum, night sweats, fever, loss of appetite and loss of weight. Constitutional symptoms were more frequent in females. Sputum was positive by direct smear in 83% of cases in 3 consecutive sputum examinations. Mycobacterium tuberculosis grew from all cases. Only 10% of cases had hemoglobin less than 9 g/dl. In 52% of cases erythrocyte sedimentation rate was in a range of 81-120mm in the first hour. Radiologically 22% showed hilar or mediastinal lymphadenopathy. Cavitation presented in 51% of cases, with diffuse bilateral involvement in 44%. Diabetes mellitus was associated in 6% of cases. Extra pulmonary involvement was seen in 11% of the patients. None of the cases had HIV+ve serodiagnosis. Conclusion: The main pool of sputum positive tuberculosis are from expatriates in the younger age group, demanding review of the national tuberculosis control program to focus special attention to these people.