An observational study to find the prevalence of pulmonary tuberculosis in a tertiary care hospital in rural Rajasthan.

Abstract

India has more tuberculosis (TB) cases annually than any other country globally, Tuberculosis (TB), caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, is a leading cause of death worldwide, especially in countries with poor socio-economic backgrounds1 and a lack of resources. The World Health Organization (WHO) has cautioned against a recent increase in the incidence of TB. This was an observational, study, conducted in a tertiary care hospital in rural Rajasthan. The Study was conducted  from July 2018 to July 2019 in NIMS Medical College and Hospital Jaipur. Sputum samples were collected from the presumptive cases, processed and ZN staining was done. A total of 1477 patients suspected of having pulmonary tuberculosis were investigated, of which 227 (15.36%) were found to be sputum smear-positive for Acid-fast Bacilli. Among the male patients, 187 (82.38%) were found to be positive for pulmonary tuberculosis, and were females 40 (17.62%) were positive for sputum AFB samples. Most probably were found 3+ in male and female patients then 2+ & less common is Scanty in male and female patients for AFB positive according to RNTCP guideline. Maximum respondents belonged to the age group of  41-60 years, male patient 85 (37.44%) and female 20 (8.8%) as followed by 61-80 years are male patient 51 (22.47%) and the female patient is 5 (2.2%) and more prevalent is 0-20 years both are 4 (1.8%). Using a common national protocol this study provides a baseline prevalence rate of bacillary pulmonary tuberculosis in the area. This prevalence is higher in males than females reported in this study.