Epidemiological investigation of Tuberculosis in Torbat Heydariyeh city during 2010-2012

Despite the socio-economic development of communities and control of many infectious diseases, Tuberculosis (TB) has remained as one of the most important reasons of death and disability in developing countries. Considering the unknown epidemiological situation of tuberculosis in the city of Torbat Heydariyeh, this study was conducted to assess epidemiological status of TB during 2010-2012.
This study is a cross-sectional study which is carried out on patients who were referred to health centers in Torbat Heydariyeh city during 2010-2012. Obtained data were registered in a pre-designed form. Data were analyzed through descriptive statistics using SPSS 21 software.
Of total of 1874 TB suspected patients referred to health centers in city of Torbat Heydariyeh, 67 cases of TB were diagnosed by direct examination or culture. Of all the referred clients, 1031 (55%) were female and 843 (45%) were male and their age ranged between 2 to 90 years with a mean age of 50 years old. 58% of clients were lived in rural areas. Based on the clinical demonstration, 97% of patients had pulmonary tuberculosis and the others had non-pulmonary TB. Most cases of non-pulmonary tuberculosis observed in the lymph nodes. In overall, 4859 slides were examined which 150 of smear slide were positive.
Considering the results, there is a need for patient screening in age group of 65 years and above. Furthermore, it is recommended to inform people about TB using mass media and holding educational workshops on screening and early diagnosing of the disease.