The profile of tuberculosis infection at the Babcock University Teaching Hospital

Abstract

Background: Tuberculosis is the leading cause of death from any single pathogen and it has consistently continued to be a major public health challenge globally. Data show that Nigeria ranks tenth among the 22 high tuberculosis burden countries. Aim: This study intends to describe the profile of tuberculosis infections in Babcock University Teaching Hospital. Methods: This was a retrospective cross sectional study of patients presenting to the Tuberculosis Laboratory of Babcock University Teaching Hospital. Results: Patients presenting to BUTH were 2.29 times more likely to have a positive AFB sputum smear result when compared to samples from Primary Health Care Centers – P = 0.05, χ 2 = 3.83, O.R = 2.29, R.R = 1.17, CI = 1.0 – 5.34. Patients presenting to BUTH were more likely to be HIV positive when compared to those from PHC’s p = 0.00, χ 2 = 24.74, df = 2. Conclusion: The burden of tuberculosis is still high in our environment and challenges in its rapid and accurate diagnosis still remain. In order to strengthen tuberculosis control, attention needs to be placed on rapid diagnosis and prompt treatment. Keywords: Tuberculosis, HIV, Primary Healthcare Centre, Ziehl Neelson stain, Directly Observed Treatment Short Course, pathogen