Characteristics of Patients with Pulmonary Tuberculosis in the Post-COVID-19 Era at Al-Quifia Hospital, Benghazi: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Tuberculosis persists as a major public health issue globally, even though there have been various attempts to enhance case identification and compliance with treatment. It is well known as a cause of ill health for millions of people each year and ranks as the second leading cause of death from infectious diseases worldwide. To describe the characteristics of patients with pulmonary tuberculosis in the post-COVID-19 era at Al-Quifia Hospital. A cross-sectional study of 142 patients with bacteriologically confirmed pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) was conducted at Al-Quifia Hospital in Benghazi during the post-COVID-19 period from January to December 2021. A total of 142 tuberculosis cases were included, with a mean age of 33 ± 13.6 years. The cohort was predominantly male (78.9%, n=112), with the majority being Libyan (69%, n=98), followed by Sudanese nationals (21.8%, n=31). Over half of the patients (57%, n=81) resided in Benghazi. Comorbid conditions were common, including anemia (33.1%, n=47) and diabetes (13.4%, n=19). HIV co-infection was identified in 4.1% (n=6) of cases, while 3.5% (n=5) had post-COVID-19 tuberculosis. Regarding clinical history and exposures, 11% (n=16) reported prior hospital admission, 8.5% (n=12) had household exposure to tuberculosis, and 14.1% (n=20) reported contact with a TB-positive individual. Additionally, 16% (n=23) of patients were smokers. This study concludes that tuberculosis in the study population is predominantly prevalent among young, economically productive males, likely influenced by smoking habits and increased social contact patterns, and is further compounded by a substantial burden of comorbidities, particularly anemia and diabetes.