Tuberculosis in Jos, Nigeria: A 9-Year Review of Laboratory Report at the Jos University Teaching Hospital

Abstract

A retrospective study of the results of Ziehl-Nelsen stained smears was carried out over a 9-year period, from 1988 to 1997 (excluding 1989 for non availability of records). This was to ascertain the current trend of tuberculosis in our community especially with the increasing incidence of HIV and AIDS. In all, 17,377 patients results were reviewed. The ages of the patients ranged from 1 to 86 years, with a mean of 29.29 years. Males accounted for 51.8% (9001), while the females were 48.2% (8376) of cases reviewed. The prevalence of AFB smear-positive cases was 11.9% (2074)/17337) more in the age group 10-49 years. Among the 2074 smear positive patients, 1363 (65.7%) were males while 711 (34.3%) were females with a M: F ratio of 2:1. The prevalence was also greater in in-patients (60.9%) when compared with out-patients (39.1%). The annual prevalence was higher in the late 80s and early 90s compared with mid- and late- 90s. For the effective control of Tuberculosis, diagnosis especially sputum smear microscopy and treatment using DOTS approach should be free. Key Words: Tuberculosis, laboratory report, AFB. Nigerian Medical Practitioner 46(2) 2004: 33-35