Comparative Study on the Therapeutic Effect of Camel, Buffalo and Cow Milk against Tuberculosis Disease

Abstract

Introduction: One third of the world population currently suffers from tuberculosis and Pakistan ranks 5th in global tuberculosis burden. These health issues are currently creating an alarming situation in Pakistan due to poor eating habits, unhealthy and unhygienic living conditions, immune-compromised status of the health. Objective: This study was conducted to compare the therapeutic potential of camel, buffalo and cow milk on the human subjects suffering from tuberculosis. Methodology: The camel, buffalo and cowmilk analysis were carried out in Dairy Technology Laboratory. Chemical analysis of milk was done by proximate analysis. The efficacy study was conducted at District TB Hospital Faisalabad. After chemical analysis milk was offered to the patients suffered with tuberculosis and several parameters (age, body weight, BMI, ESR, Chest X-Ray and Sputum Smear Test) were recorded. Twenty-four patients diagnosed with tuberculosis were selected and divided into four groups. Group one was control group. Three treatments were framed (camel milk, buffalo milk and cow milk) and provided with 250ml of milk twice a day for forty days. Several parameters (body weight, Body Mass Index, Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), chest X-Ray and sputum smear test) were recorded. Results: A significant increase in BMI of three groups (camel, buffalo and cow milk group) was observed. The significant decrease in ESR from 47.00 to 25.50 mm/hour was seen in P1 group while in P2 and P3 it was decreased from 49.17 to 40.83 mm/hour and 55.00 to 47.83 mm/hour respectively. Five patients were recovered by camel milk while only half patient showed negative report in sputum smear test in cow and buffalo milk fed group. Conclusion: Camel milk had beneficial effect on reduction of tuberculosis in human. However, due to short duration of study the effect of camel milk on sputum conversions and chest X-ray was not significant