Frequency of Smear-Negative Tuberculosis in Northwest Iran
Mahya Pourostadi1, Jalil Rashedi2,3, Behroz Mahdavi Poor2,4
1Hematology and Oncology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
Iranian Journal of Medical Sciences
|June 13, 2018
Summary
In northwest Iran, 22.8% of tuberculosis (TB) cases were smear-negative, showing higher mortality. Early diagnosis of smear-negative TB is crucial to prevent transmission.
Area of Science:
- Medical Diagnostics
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Microscopic smear examination is a common but insufficient method for tuberculosis (TB) detection.
- A significant number of TB patients are smear-negative, posing a risk for disease transmission.
- Smear-negative TB presents diagnostic challenges, particularly in regions with limited resources.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of smear-negative tuberculosis in northwest Iran.
- To compare the demographic and clinical characteristics of smear-negative and smear-positive TB patients.
- To highlight the implications of smear-negative TB for public health and diagnostics.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 329 culture-confirmed TB patients in northwest Iran.
- Comparison of demographic and clinical features between smear-negative and smear-positive TB groups.
- Statistical analysis using the Chi-squared test and SPSS version 16.
Main Results:
- The prevalence of smear-negative TB was found to be 22.8% (75 out of 329 patients).
- Smokers, asthmatics, and patients with extra-pulmonary TB were more frequently observed in the smear-negative group.
- Smear-negative TB patients exhibited a relatively higher mortality rate.
Conclusions:
- 22.8% of TB cases in northwest Iran were smear-negative, associated with increased mortality.
- Delayed diagnosis and treatment of smear-negative TB increase transmission risk.
- Equipping centers without culture facilities and utilizing advanced diagnostics are essential for rapid detection of smear-negative TB.
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