Epidemiological, clinical and evolutive profile of tuberculosis patients: Case of the region of Guelmim in Morocco

Background and aim

Tuberculosis is an infectious, contagious disease caused mainly by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The objective of our study is to describe the epidemiological, clinical and evolutionary profiles of tuberculosis patients at the Diagnostic Center for Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases (DCTRD) in the Guelmim region, Morocco.

Methods

This is a retrospective study examining the medical records of tuberculosis patients at the Guelmim DCTRD from January 1, 2018, to April 28, 2022.

Results

A total of 825 cases were collected, comprising 488 cases of ETB and 337 cases of PTB. The median age of ETB patients was 31.5 [21–47] years, compared to 37 [26.5–52] years for PTB patients. ETB was more common than PTB in both age groups (<10 and ≥ 10 years) (p < 0.001). Females were more affected by ETB in 73 % of cases. Clinical signs were more prevalent in PTB than in ETB patients (p < 0.001). Tobacco and alcohol consumption were higher in the PTB group than in the ETB group (p < 0.001). Asthma and diabetes were more prevalent in the ETB group at 58 % and 51 %, respectively (p < 0.001). HIV serology was largely negative in both groups, with a non-negligible proportion of unknown status (p < 0.001). Therapeutic outcomes were favorable in 61 % of PTB patients versus 39 % of ETB patients (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Our study highlighted the predominance of ETB. PTB patients had more clinical signs and tobacco/alcohol consumption. HIV serology was mostly negative, and therapeutic outcomes were favorable, suggesting a need for better management.