Epidemiology of extrapulmonary tuberculosis in Northeast of Iran

Although extrapulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB) is a secondary target for national TB control programs, its significance has increased worldwide. In order to study the epidemiology of EPTB in the Northeast of Iran, this survey was conducted.

A population-based, retrospective analysis of all cases of EPTB during 2012–2015 reported to the TB Unit of the Golestan was performed. Socioeconomic and environmental variables, sites, admission, mode of diagnosis and outcome status were collected. Data analyzed through SPSS 25.0 by descriptive and analytical statistical methods.

A total of 741 cases of EPTB were included. Patients were mainly female (59.1%), age of 0 to 40 years old (57.6%), less than five years of education (46.7%) and mainly Fars (39.6%). Non-native ethnicities significantly acquired EPTB more than native ethnicities (p<0.001). Mortality rate was 5.1%. Smoking detected more frequently in EPTB patients (p<0.001). HIV status of most EPTB patients (89.3%) were unknown. The most common forms were pleural (30.5%) and lymphadenopathy (22.0%). Cultures and PCR performed in only about 10 percent of EPTB patients in our study.

EPTB was more prevalent in non-native population. Improvement of socioeconomic conditions and screening program may be successful in reducing the problem among immigrant