Epidemiological, Clinical, and Microbiological Profile of Tuberculosis Patients at a National Referral Center in Tripoli, Libya: A Cross-Sectional Study (May–July 2023)
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.65421/jibas.v1i2.17Keywords:
Tuberculosis, Libya, Epidemiology, Drug Resistance, Smoking, Comorbidities, Cross-Sectional StudyAbstract
Background: Tuberculosis (TB) persists as a critical global health issue, with a disproportionate burden in conflict-affected and developing regions like Libya. Current local data on its epidemiological trends, resistance patterns, and associated risk factors are scarce but essential for effective public health intervention.
Objective: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence, demographic distribution, clinical characteristics, microbiological profiles, and antibiotic resistance patterns among TB patients attending the National Center for Disease Control (NCDC) in Tripoli.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from May 1 to July 31, 2023. A total of 35 clinically suspected or diagnosed TB patients were enrolled. Data were collected via structured questionnaires, clinical examination, and laboratory analysis of sputum and blood samples. Diagnostic methods included acid-fast bacilli (AFB) microscopy, culture, GeneXpert MTB/RIF assay (as a proxy for PCR), interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA), and chest radiography. Descriptive statistics were used for data analysis.
Results: The male-to-female ratio was 4.8:1, with 83% (n=29) male patients. The most affected age group was 41-50 years (63%, n=22). Smoking was universal among male patients (100% of males, 83% of total sample). Active pulmonary TB was diagnosed in 71% (n=25) of cases, while 29% (n=10) had latent TB infection (LTBI). Antibiotic resistance was detected in 29% (n=10) of cases. Common comorbidities included diabetes mellitus (43%, n=15), chronic kidney disease (34%, n=12), and HIV/AIDS (23%, n=8). Sputum testing was the primary diagnostic tool (43%), followed by blood-based IGRA (37%).
Conclusion: This study reveals a high burden of TB among middle-aged, smoking Libyan males, with concerning rates of active disease and antibiotic resistance. The strong association with non-communicable diseases like diabetes underscores the need for integrated care models. These findings call for strengthened TB control programs focusing on early detection, smoking cessation initiatives, systematic drug susceptibility testing, and comorbidity management in Libya.
