Prevalence of pulmonary tuberculosis in Al-Najaf governorate, Iraq

Abstract

Background: pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) is one of the most global dangerous infectious diseases worldwide, particularly in developing countries. Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) is the most infectious agent that caused PTB transferred by air droplets from one person to other. In the present epidemiological study, we aimed to record the total numbers and percentages of patients infected with PTB caused by Mtb during 12 months in AL-Najaf Governorate, Iraq. Methods: This study has been done in 2019 from January to the end of December in the north and south region of AL-Najaf Governorate, Iraq. Sputum of PTB-patients has been stained by Ziehl–Neelsen to Mtb diagnosis according to World Health Organization (WHO) recommendation. Results: We recorded 174 PTB-patients in AL-Najaf Governorate 2019; 89 male and 85 female; 101 and 73 in the north and south sections respectively. The age group 16-24 was the highest infected. Quarter two recorded the highest numbers of PTB-patients; 33 (60%) in the north section and 22 (40%) in the south section. Conclusion: There was low PTB incidence in AL-Najaf Governorate 2019 but the Youngers were the most susceptible to infection. Infection in the north section was higher than in the south section and there were no high differences between genders. Seasons have no high effect on the number of infections.