Tuberculosis in Sudan: systematic review and meta analysis.

Area of Science:

• Global Health
• Infectious Diseases
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Tuberculosis (TB) remains a leading infectious killer, causing 1.5 million deaths yearly and contributing to HIV mortality and antimicrobial resistance.
• A significant burden of TB is suspected in Sudan, necessitating an understanding of its prevalence and associated risk factors.

Approach:

• A systematic review and meta-analysis adhering to PRISMA guidelines was conducted.
• Twenty-six studies meeting quality criteria were included, analyzing data from 11,253 participants across various Sudanese states and risk groups.
• Pulmonary tuberculosis prevalence was assessed in diverse populations, including febrile outpatients, TB contacts, HIV/AIDS patients, and adolescents.

Key Points:

• The pooled prevalence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in Sudan was determined to be 30.72%.
• Khartoum State exhibited the highest pooled prevalence at 41.86%.
• Male gender and rural residence were identified as significant risk factors associated with TB infection.

Conclusions:

• The study highlights a substantial prevalence of TB in Sudan, underscoring the need for targeted public health interventions.
• Findings indicate specific demographic and geographic factors influencing TB transmission within the Sudanese population.
• Further large-scale research is recommended to refine prevalence estimates and identify comprehensive risk factors for TB in Sudan.